Ishtiyaq Kar
Srinagar, Aug 15 (KINS): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday reached Kishtwar to meet residents affected by the devastating Chisoti cloudburst, which has claimed at least 60 lives and left over 100 injured.
News agency KINS reported that Omar Abdullah interacted with locals who shared first-hand accounts of the destruction and ongoing challenges on the ground. The Chief Minister is likely to visit the site of the tragedy early Saturday morning to personally assess the extent of damage, review rescue operations, and determine additional relief measures needed.
Earlier in the day, after attending Independence Day celebrations in Srinagar, Abdullah said, “I’ll be leaving for Kishtwar later this afternoon & will be going to the scene of the cloudburst tragedy early tomorrow morning to see, first hand, the extent of the damage. I will review the rescue operation & assess what further help is required.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, assuring them of all possible assistance from the Centre.
Officials confirmed that the Prime Minister took stock of the situation and emphasised swift relief and rehabilitation efforts.
The massive flash flood, triggered by Thursday’s cloudburst, struck the remote mountain village of Chisoti in Kishtwar district, sweeping away houses, livestock, and infrastructure.
Authorities have deployed additional NDRF, SDRF, and Army teams in the area, while medical aid and relief supplies are being rushed to the affected areas.(KINS)
