7 dead over 3 dozen missing, Kishtwar Cloudburst: LG Sinha announces ₹ 5 lakh ex-gratia for next of kin of victims, ₹ 50,000 for grievously injured
SRINAGAR, JULY 28: Seven people died, 12 were rescued while 27 went missing in flash floods triggered by cloudburst in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district.
Kishtwar’s Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shafkat Hussain told that seven bodies were recovered and 12 people were rescued from the cloudburst in Hunjar village of Dachan area of Kishtwar. The SSP said that the rescue team had to cover 25 km of motorable road and then travel 15 km to reach the disaster site.
Home Minister Amit Shah told that he has taken information about the accident after talking to the LG and DGP of Jammu and Kashmir. The relief work is going on, our priority is to save the lives of the people.
Around 4:20 am on Wednesday morning, 6-8 houses were hit by a cloudburst. . Army, police and administration teams have reached the spot for relief and rescue work and the rescue operation is going on. According to the information received, this accident has happened in an area of Dutchan where there is no road.
At the same time, four bridges have been washed away in the areas around Kishtwar due to cloudburst. Those whose bodies have been recovered so far in the accident have been identified – Sajja Begum (65 years), Rakita Begum (24 years), a nomad, Ghulam Nabi Tantre (42 years) and Abdul Majeed (42 years).
As soon as getting the news, Police, army, NDRF, civil administration and locals launched a rescue operation, they said.
SSP Kishtwar Shafqat Bhat said that four bodies have been recovered while a number of people, with reports coming in suggesting the number to be around 36, are missing.
He said efforts are on to trace the missing persons. Official sources said that the missing persons are feared dead. Emerging story, more details awaited.
LG, other political leaders and social workers have expressed grief over the incident.
“Saddened over loss of precious lives due to flash floods caused by cloud burst in Dacchan, Kishtwar. My thoughts are with bereaved families,” Office of the LG tweeted.
Government of J&K announces an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh each for the next of kin of those who lost their lives in the tragic cloudburst in Kishtwar. The grievously injured would be given Rs.50,000 each and Rs.12,700 under SDRF shall also be disbursed.
“Spoke to senior authorities and district administration. Army and SDRF team working on war footing to rescue people and trace the missing persons. I am continuously monitoring the situation.” Office tweeted later.
“Terrible news coming in this morning from Kishtwar where a cloud burst has struck the upper reaches. Praying that the people missing are recovered safe & sound. May the souls of the departed rest in peace,” Tweeted Omar Abdullah.
“Extremely shocking news of Cloudburst in Kishtwar leaving 4 dead and 35 missing. Prayers for the affected families; safety of missing.” Tweeted Shahid Iqbal Choudhary.
Condoling the loss of lives due to a cloudburst in the Kishtwar district, President Ram Nath Kovind said he was deeply saddened by the death of many people.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the Centre is closely monitoring the situation in Kishtwar.
All possible assistance is being provided to the affected areas, he said, wishing for everyone’s safety and well-being.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Director General of Police Dilbagh Singh and took stock of the situation arising due to the cloudburst.
While expressing grief over the unfortunate incident, Dr Farooq Said, “I am deeply saddened over the loss of lives due to the flash floods caused by a cloud burst in Dachhan Kishtwar. I express my condolences with the bereaved families, whose loved ones were devoured in the catastrophe. My thoughts and prayers are with them at this difficult time. I hope the underway rescue operation bears positive results,” he said.
Efforts are on to locate 14 missing people, he said, adding that the condition of five of the rescued persons was reported to be critical.
Meanwhile, weather office here issued an alert, warning of flash flood, mudslide, landslide and water logging in low lying area.
“At present, it’s cloudy at most places of J&K with thunderstorm and rain at some places of Poonch, Rajouri, Reasi and neighborhood,” an official of the MeT office said.
“Widespread intermittent rain is most likely to continue till July 30th,” he said, adding, “heavy to very rain is also possible at some places.” (PTK)
