The Kashmir Dialogues
Kishtwar, Aug 15 (TKD) – The death toll in the catastrophic cloudburst that struck Chesoti in Kishtwar has risen to 48, with 75 people still reported missing and 116 injured, officials confirmed on Thursday.
According to officials, 44 of the recovered bodies have been identified and handed over to their next of kin, while search efforts continue for the missing. Among the injured, 66 have been shifted to Jammu for specialised medical treatment.
Rescue operations are in full swing, with combined teams of the Army, Police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and district administration working tirelessly on the ground. The Inspector General of Police, Jammu Zone, and DIG DKR Range are closely supervising the mission, while Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Pankaj Sharma (KAS), and SSP Kishtwar, Naresh Singh (JKPS) are leading the rescue efforts at the site.
The cloudburst on Thursday afternoon triggered flash floods, sweeping away houses and causing widespread destruction in the remote area. The incident prompted a massive, multi-agency rescue operation involving the Army, NDRF, SDRF, police, and local volunteers.
Expressing grief, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced the cancellation of the “At Home” tea party scheduled for Friday evening in solidarity with the victims. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, assuring full support to the affected families. Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the Centre is in constant touch with the J&K administration, monitoring the situation.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. “I have directed Civil, Police, Army, NDRF & SDRF officials to strengthen rescue and relief operations and ensure all possible assistance to the affected,” he said.
Authorities have vowed to continue operations until every missing person is accounted for, with special arrangements made for relief and rehabilitation of the survivors.
Sheikh Sameer
M S Nazki
