Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said he has spoken to Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the developing situation in Kishtwar, where a massive cloudburst triggered flash floods earlier today.
“The news is grim & accurate, verified information from the area hit by the cloudburst is slow in arriving. All possible resources are being mobilised from within & beyond J&K to manage the rescue operations,” Abdullah posted on X.
He added that he would not be speaking to media outlets and that official information would be shared by the government as and when possible.
The cloudburst struck Chositi area of Kishtwar, washing away a langar (community kitchen) and hitting pilgrims on the Machail Mata Yatra route. At least 12 bodies have been recovered so far, with several more feared dead. The pilgrimage has been suspended.
Rescue operations involving the Army, NDRF, SDRF, and police are ongoing, though heavy rains and damaged access routes are hampering efforts.
The Kishtwar tragedy coincided with flash floods reported in Frislan and Batkoot areas of Pahalgam in south Kashmir, triggered by incessant rainfall.
