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Key Points

Union Minister Jitendra Singh praised rescue teams working overnight after a devastating cloudburst in Kishtwar killed over 60 people. The military, paramilitary, and locals are battling tough terrain to save lives. PM Modi is closely tracking relief efforts, which include road and mobile connectivity restored since 2014. The tragedy struck along the Machail Mata Yatra route, leaving many still missing.

Key Points: Jitendra Singh Oversees Midnight Rescue Ops After Kishtwar Cloudburst

  • Rescue ops continue past midnight in Kishtwar after deadly cloudburst
  • Military and locals lead efforts amid difficult terrain
  • Over 60 dead, many feared buried in debris
  • PM Modi personally monitoring relief operations
2 min read

Rescue efforts in full swing after Kishtwar cloudburst: Union Minister Jitendra Singh

Union Minister Jitendra Singh lauds military and locals for ongoing rescue efforts after Kishtwar cloudburst kills 60, with PM Modi monitoring the situation.

"It is well past midnight, and the rescue relief operations are going on in full swing. — Jitendra Singh"

Srinagar, August 16

Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Saturday said that rescue and relief operations in Kishtwar continued "well past midnight" after a devastating cloudburst struck the district earlier this week, leaving more than 60 people dead.

A massive cloudburst hit Chasoti village in Kishtwar district on Thursday. The incident, which occurred along the Machail Mata Yatra route, triggered flash floods and widespread destruction, causing heavy casualties among yatris and residents.

In a post on X, Singh wrote, "It is well past midnight, and the rescue relief operations are going on in full swing. I deeply appreciate the courageous effort of the Military, Paramilitary forces, Jammu & Kashmir Police and the administration, who have left no stone unturned in doing whatever best they could do in this precarious situation, marked by a natural calamity coupled with natural constraints of difficult hilly terrain, inadequate connectivity and inclement weather."

https://x.com/DrJitendraSingh/status/1956557154942586896

The minister also expressed gratitude to local residents, who were the first to respond when the disaster struck suddenly.

"Equal appreciation is due to the local residents, who were the first to swing into action when everyone was taken by surprise by a massive fatal cloudburst on the afternoon of the 14th August," he wrote on X.

Singh said it was reassuring that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is personally monitoring the situation.

"What can be more reassuring than the thought that PM Sh @Narendramodi is personally monitoring the situation. Infact, it was only after 2014 that with the Centre's intervention, the holy Machhail Yatra vicinity was provided road connectivity, mobile towers, electricity, basic amenities like drinking water and toilets etc."

Singh said in his message, "All help is being provided to the affected. But can't get back the dear ones lost... Already 53 bodies have been recovered and officially declared dead. Scary to think how many more are still buried in the debris and how many instantly washed away within those deadly 15 seconds."

Meanwhile, the Army, along with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), local police and district administration, are carrying out rescue operations in Chasoti village of Kishtwar district after a devastating flash flood triggered by a cloudburst.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
While I appreciate the rescue efforts, we need better disaster preparedness in hilly areas. Every year we see such tragedies during monsoon. The government should invest more in early warning systems and evacuation plans.
A
Arjun K
The resilience of local residents is inspiring! They were first responders despite facing the same disaster. This shows the true spirit of India - helping each other in times of crisis. Prayers for all affected families 🙏
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Nisha Z
The infrastructure development mentioned by the minister is good, but was it done with proper environmental impact studies? We can't keep cutting hills for roads without considering ecological consequences. Nature is giving us warnings.
V
Varun X
My cousin was part of the NDRF team deployed there. They haven't slept properly for 3 days. These unsung heroes deserve our respect and better facilities. Hope the government provides proper compensation to victims' families too.
P
Priyanka N
The Machail Yatra is so important for devotees, but maybe we need to reconsider pilgrimage timings during peak monsoon. Safety should come first. My heart goes out to all the yatris who lost their lives in this tragedy.
K
Karthik V
Climate change is making these extreme weather events more frequent. We need long-term solutions, not just reactive measures

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