Jammu, Aug 15 (NationPress) The Indian Army has mobilized to assist in ongoing rescue efforts following a devastating cloudburst that resulted in the loss of at least 46 lives in Chashoti, located in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district. Among the deceased are two members of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). Meanwhile, 167 individuals have been successfully rescued from the debris.

As night approached, officials reported that 38 of the rescued are in critical condition.

Flash floods ravaged this densely populated hamlet, destroying numerous homes and compelling authorities to suspend the annual pilgrimage to the Machail Mata shrine.

Chashoti serves as the launch point for the Machail Mata Yatra and is the last accessible village en route to the Mata Chandi Himalayan shrine in Kishtwar.

Due to the catastrophic flooding, the annual yatra has been halted, as confirmed by officials.

“A flash flood has struck the Chashoti area in Kishtwar, the starting point for the Machail Mata Yatra. Rescue operations are currently in progress,” stated Kishtwar Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Sharma.

This incident marks the second significant flood-related disaster in India this month.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences regarding the tragedy, assuring that every possible support is being extended.

“My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the cloudburst and flooding in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir. The situation is under close scrutiny. Rescue and relief operations are underway, and we will provide all necessary assistance to those in need,” the Prime Minister posted on X.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also communicated with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, confirming that teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been dispatched to the area.

“I spoke with the L-G and Chief Minister of J&K regarding the cloudburst in Kishtwar district. Local authorities are undertaking relief and rescue operations, and NDRF teams have been rapidly deployed. We are closely monitoring the situation and stand with the people of Jammu and Kashmir in this challenging time, assuring them of all possible assistance,” he wrote.

The Army's White Knight Corps has also joined the rescue and relief efforts.

“Following the cloudburst in Chisoti village, Kishtwar, troops from the White Knight Corps swiftly mobilized for rescue and relief operations. Our focus is on preserving lives and assisting survivors. Search operations for missing persons are ongoing, and relief supplies, medical teams, and rescue equipment have been sent to the site. We serve, we protect,” the Corps communicated in a post.

The office of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah confirmed that he is in constant contact with the district administration to ensure all necessary relief measures are implemented.

“The Chief Minister has expressed profound sorrow over the tragic cloudburst in Kishtwar, extending condolences to the bereaved families. His office is coordinating with the district administration, and comprehensive relief and rescue measures are underway,” it stated.

Additionally, Chief Minister Abdullah has canceled cultural events planned for Independence Day celebrations, along with his “At Home” tea party scheduled for Friday evening.

“In light of the tragedy caused by the cloudburst in Kishtwar, I have decided to cancel the 'At Home' tea party tomorrow evening. We will also not proceed with cultural events during the morning Independence Day celebrations. However, formal events such as speeches and marches will continue as planned,” the Chief Minister announced on X.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has instructed the police, Army, and disaster response units to enhance rescue operations.

“I am deeply saddened by the cloudburst in Chashoti, Kishtwar. My condolences to the families of the victims, and I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. I have directed Civil, Police, Army, NDRF, and SDRF officials to bolster rescue and relief operations and ensure that all possible assistance is provided to those affected,” he stated.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge expressed his sympathy for the victims' families and urged Congress workers to offer their support.

“I am extremely pained by the loss of lives in the tragic cloudburst incident in Kishtwar, Jammu & Kashmir. My heart goes out to the victims' families, and I offer my deepest condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with the injured and those searching for missing loved ones,” he posted on X.

“I urge the authorities to deploy additional NDRF and Armed Forces teams for enhanced relief and rehabilitation efforts. In this dire situation, Congress workers must provide all possible assistance to the affected individuals,” he added.