Did Japanese PM Offer Condolences for India's Flood Tragedies?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Japanese PM Shigeru offers condolences for flood victims.
- The Kishtwar district experienced catastrophic cloudburst.
- Over 60 lives lost and 100 injured.
- Global leaders express solidarity, including Japan and Russia.
- Machail Mata yatra remains suspended due to the disaster.
Tokyo, Aug 16 (NationPress) Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru expressed his heartfelt condolences on Saturday regarding the devastating flood tragedies in northern India, emphasizing his hopes for rapid rescue and relief efforts.
The tragic events follow a significant cloudburst in Jammu and Kashmir's (J&K) Kishtwar district, which has claimed the lives of at least 60 individuals thus far.
"I am profoundly saddened to hear of the loss of so many valuable lives in the floods that have impacted northern India. On behalf of the Government of Japan, I offer prayers for the souls of the victims and extend my sincere condolences to their grieving families. I also wish for a swift recovery for those injured," stated PM Shigeru in an official message.
Furthermore, Japan's Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi also conveyed his sorrow regarding the tragic events in a message directed to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
"I pray for the souls of the victims and extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved families. My heartfelt prayers are with the injured for their quick recovery," said Takeshi.
In recent weeks, northern India has encountered several flood tragedies due to incessant rainfall in the Himalayan region.
The most recent disaster occurred in Chashoti, the last accessible village leading to the Machail Mata temple, around 12:25 p.m. on August 14.
A coordinated rescue and relief effort was ongoing for the third consecutive day on Saturday in Chashoti village, where 60 lives were lost and over 100 individuals were injured.
On Friday, Russia also expressed condolences regarding the catastrophic cloudburst, standing in solidarity with the people of J&K during this sorrowful time.
The Russian Embassy stated, "We are deeply saddened by the disastrous cloudburst in the Kishtwar region of J&K, which has taken numerous lives. We extend our condolences to the families of the deceased and wish a speedy recovery to all who are injured. Our thoughts are with the people of J&K in this tragic hour,” through a social media post.
The catastrophic cloudburst devastated a temporary market, a community kitchen for Machail Mata Yatris, and a security outpost.
At least 16 residential homes and government structures, three temples, four water mills, a 30-meter-long bridge, and over a dozen vehicles were also severely damaged in the flash floods.
The annual Machail Mata yatra, which commenced on July 25 and was scheduled to conclude on September 5, has remained suspended for the third consecutive day on Saturday.