Heavy flooding struck the Kishtwar district this week, prompting Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to visit the affected areas on Saturday to assess the damage.
The Chief Minister’s convoy traveled to Chashoti village in the Padder block, one of the hardest-hit locations, to review ongoing relief and rescue operations.
During his visit, Omar Abdullah confirmed that approximately 60 bodies had been recovered from Chashoti village after a devastating flash flood on Thursday. He stated that the number of missing persons was still being verified.
“Around 60 bodies have been found. The number of missing persons is being assessed,” Omar Abdullah told reporters. He added that once the rescue and relief efforts are complete, an inquiry will be held to determine if the Administration could have taken preventive measures, especially since the Meteorological Department had issued a warning.
Rescue and relief efforts are currently underway by the Army, NDRF, SDRF, Police, and local administration, with support from workers of various political parties. Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh also visited the area on Friday evening to take stock of the situation.
The Indian Air Force has two Mi-17 helicopters and one Advanced Light Helicopter on standby at Jammu and Udhampur to assist with operations if needed.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the natural disasters in his Independence Day speech, expressing sympathy for those affected. “Nature is testing us…Over the past few days, we have been facing natural disasters, landslides, cloudbursts, and many other calamities. Our sympathies are with the affected people,” he said.
