Mumbai: Bollywood actor Sohail Khan has expressed deep sorrow over the devastating cloudburst in Chashoti, Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir.
The massive cloudburst struck on Thursday, triggering flash floods along the Machail Mata Yatra route and resulting in multiple casualties. Rescue operations remain underway, with victims receiving treatment at district hospitals.
Speaking to the media, Sohail said, “This is nature’s doing, and it is truly tragic. Whenever we think of J&K, there’s a sense of sadness. I visited as a child—it’s such a beautiful place, a paradise—and yet tragedies keep striking. My wish, my prayer, is for the well-being of that land and its people.”
Union Minister Jitendra Singh visited the affected areas late Friday evening. Speaking to ANI, he said, “The government acted immediately, with Prime Minister Modi personally monitoring the situation. Equipment was brought in overnight, CRPF teams arrived with resources, and support from the Air Force, Indian Army, J&K Police, and BRO has been mobilised to clear debris.”
Singh confirmed that 52 bodies have been recovered, four of which remain unidentified. Around 52 injured patients are admitted to Jammu Medical College, with critical cases being referred outside the region.
According to officials, the Indian Air Force is ready to join rescue and relief efforts, with two Mi-17 helicopters and one Advanced Light Helicopter on standby at Jammu and Udhampur, pending weather clearance.
Local communities, along with J&K Police, continue to provide urgent relief, shelter, and medical aid. On Friday, in his Independence Day address, Prime Minister Modi expressed solidarity with those affected by recent natural calamities across India, saying:
“Nature is testing us. In recent days, we have faced disasters—landslides, cloudbursts, and more. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims.”
