New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday assured full central assistance to those affected by a massive cloudburst that triggered flash floods in the Chashoti area of Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir.
The cloudburst struck Chashoti village earlier today, causing widespread damage and leaving several people missing. In a post on X, PM Modi said the situation is being closely monitored and rescue operations are ongoing.
“My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the cloudburst and flooding in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir. Rescue and relief operations are underway, and every possible assistance will be provided to those in need,” he wrote.
Earlier, Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, assuring full central support. He confirmed that National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams had been dispatched to the area.
“Spoke with the LG and Chief Minister of J&K regarding the cloudburst in Kishtwar. Relief and rescue operations are underway. NDRF teams have been rushed to the site. We are closely monitoring the situation and stand firmly with the people of Jammu and Kashmir. All possible assistance will be provided,” Shah tweeted.
Local authorities are evacuating residents, providing medical aid, and working to restore normalcy. Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Sharma confirmed that rescue operations are ongoing. Two NDRF teams, totaling nearly 180 personnel, were sent from Udhampur with advanced search-and-rescue equipment, coordinating closely with local and state disaster management teams.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described the situation in Chashoti as “grim”. The disaster struck between 12 noon and 1 pm at the last motorable point en route to the Machail Mata temple, during the annual pilgrimage. The flash floods destroyed property, severed road links, and endangered numerous residents and pilgrims in the area.
