Massive cloudburst in J&K’s Kishtwar: 10 feared dead; Union minister Jitendra Singh reviews rescue efforts | Jammu News
NEW DELHI: A massive cloudburst struck the Paddar region of Kishtwar district in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday. According to officials, at least 10 people are feared dead in the incident, which occurred along the route of the Machail Mata Yatra, a pilgrimage in the area.
As per news agency PTI, the incident occurred in the Chositi locality, prompting immediate action from authorities. Union minister Jitendra Singh confirmed that he had spoken with Kishtwar deputy commissioner Pankaj Kumar Sharma regarding the situation.“A massive cloudburst has occurred in Chositi, which could lead to significant casualties. The administration has swung into action, and rescue teams have already been dispatched to the site,” Singh wrote on X.Jitendra Singh said to news agency ANI, “I got a call from J&K LoP and local MLA Sunil Kumar Sharma about a massive cloudburst in the area which he represents. It also happens to be the route of the popular Machail Mata Yatra which takes place there. The cloudburst is of a massive scale, which could possibly lead to substantial casualties.”He added “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.”Authorities are currently assessing the damage and making arrangements for rescue operations and medical assistance.(With agency inputs)
