Kishtwar Cloudburst Tragedy: Death Toll Rises To 60; Rescue Ops Continue For Hundreds Missing
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, addressing the state on Independence Day from Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life and called for a thorough investigation into the tragedy. He noted that weather warnings had been issued in advance, and stressed the importance of reviewing the official response to such alerts in order to prevent similar disasters in the future.
Widespread Damage and Rising Casualties
Flash floods triggered by the cloudburst devastated the village of Chositi, the last motorable point before the trek to the Machail Mata shrine. The area was packed with devotees attending the annual pilgrimage. The deluge flattened a makeshift market, a langar (community kitchen), and a security outpost, trapping many beneath rubble and debris.
Rescue workers have managed to pull out 167 injured individuals, of whom 38 are in critical condition. Officials fear the casualty count may rise, as many more remain missing and may be buried under mud and wreckage.
Also Read: 'There Was Sound Like Bomb': Survivors Recount Horror Of Kishtwar Flash Floods
Key Developments from the Kishtwar Tragedy:
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