Srinagar: At least 38 people, including two CISF (Central Industrial Security Force) personnel, have been killed and 100 injured after a massive cloudburst caused a flash flood in the Chashoti village of Kishtwar district this afternoon. The Army has also joined the rescue efforts and visuals showed people being evacuated.
According to officials from police control room in Kishtwar, 38 bodies have been recovered, and there are fears that the death count could rise.
“A flash flood has occurred at Chashoti area in Kishtwar, which is the starting point of the Machail Mata Yatra. Rescue Operations have been started,” said Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Pankaj Sharma.
Expressing grief over the tragedy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said every possible help is being given.
“My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the cloudburst and flooding in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir. The situation is being monitored closely. Rescue and relief operations are underway. Every possible assistance will be provided to those in need,” the Prime Minister posted on X.
J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah has also cancelled the cultural events planned for Independence Day celebrations as well as his “At Home” tea party in the evening.
“In light of the tragedy caused by the cloud burst in Kishtwar I have taken the decision to cancel the “At Home” tea party tomorrow evening. We have also decided not to go ahead with the cultural events during the morning Independence Day celebrations. The formal events – speech, march past etc will go ahead as planned,” the chief minister said in a post on X.
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