J&K: Kishtwar flash flood leaves at least 46 dead, 100 injured; Army joins rescue ops

The Army has joined the rescue operation, and visuals showed a large number of people being evacuated.

According to news agency PTI, at least 46 bodies have been recovered so far amid fears that the toll might rise.

About 167 people were pulled from under mounds of rubble, officials said, adding the condition of 38 of them is serious.

Chashoti is the starting point for the Machail Mata Yatra, as well as the last motorable village on the way to the Himalayan shrine of Mata Chandi in Kishtwar.

The annual yatra has been suspended after the flash floods.

“A flash flood has occurred at Chashoti area in Kishtwar, which is the starting point of the Machail Mata Yatra. Rescue operations have been started,” said Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Pankaj Sharma, who is heading to the site along with Senior Superintendent of Police Naresh Singh.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed 180 personnel from its Udhampur base, equipped with modern rescue gear, to the disaster-hit region.

Expressing grief over the tragedy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said every possible help is being provided in the rescue operation.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh, who represents J&K’s Udhampur constituency, said he was informed about the incident by Leader of Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly and local MLA Sunil Kumar Sharma.

“The cloudburst is of a massive scale, which could possibly lead to substantial casualties. We immediately got in touch with the district authorities, who were also at a loss, as it had taken everyone by surprise. They have already started moving towards the site of the incident. Very soon, we will know more details. Every possible assistance will be provided. The administration will also make arrangements for heli-rescue for medical treatment,” he told news agency ANI.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s office said he is in touch with the district administration to oversee relief efforts.

“Chief Minister has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic cloudburst in Kishtwar, extending condolences to the bereaved families. The Chief Minister's office is in touch with the district administration, and all the measures for relief and rescue are being taken,” it said.

Home Minister Amit Shah said the Centre is closely monitoring the situation and providing all resources to ensure prompt rescue and relief to the affected people.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also issued directions to intensify rescue operations.

“Anguished by cloudburst in Chashoti Kishtwar. Condolences to bereaved families and prayers for quick recovery of injured. Directed Civil, Police, Army, NDRF and SDRF officials to strengthen the rescue and relief operations and ensure all possible assistance is provided to the affected,” he said.