New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day address, expressed solidarity with those affected by recent natural disasters across the country.
“Nature is testing us. Over the past few days, we have faced landslides, cloudbursts, and various other calamities. Our thoughts are with all those affected,” PM Modi said from the ramparts of the Red Fort.
He praised the joint efforts of state and central governments, stating, “State and central governments are working together with full strength on rescue operations, relief measures, and rehabilitation efforts.”
The death toll from the massive cloudburst that triggered flash floods in the Chesoti area of Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir, has risen to 45, with over 100 people injured, officials reported on Friday.
The cloudburst struck the remote and rugged terrain of Kishtwar, causing devastating flash floods along the Machail Mata Yatra route. The floodwaters swept through villages with ferocious force, leaving widespread destruction.
In response, Kishtwar Police have set up control rooms and help desks across the district to assist citizens and pilgrims, especially in remote areas.
Meanwhile, in Himachal Pradesh, continuous heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours has caused fresh damage in several regions, with no immediate relief in sight. While no major casualties were reported overnight, infrastructure losses, particularly to the road network, remain significant, Education Minister Rohit Thakur said on Thursday.
“The damage is occurring at multiple locations due to ongoing rain. Even last night, significant losses occurred, mostly affecting infrastructure,” Thakur told reporters. He confirmed cloudburst incidents in the Rampur assembly constituency.
On the 79th Independence Day, Prime Minister Modi hoisted the national flag at the Red Fort and commended the armed forces: “Today, from the ramparts of the Red Fort, I salute the brave soldiers of Operation Sindoor for their relentless service.”
Upon arrival, he was received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, MoS Sanjay Seth, and the Chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The Prime Minister was also welcomed with a ceremonial guard of honour comprising 128 personnel from the National Flag Guard, the Indian Air Force, Army, Navy, and Delhi Police, led by Wing Commander Arun Nagar.
