Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday took stock of the situation in Kishtwar, where flash floods on Thursday afternoon claimed 60 lives. As many as 100 people were injured, while 69 remain missing as per official figures. However, eyewitnesses and locals believe the actual number is much higher than official figures.
Omar expressed deep sorrow over the incident and condoled the loss of lives and extensive damage caused to infrastructure in the region and assured all possible support from the government.
The Chief Minister announced ex-gratia relief of Rs 2 lakh for each deceased, Rs 1 lakh for severely injured, Rs 50,000 for those with minor injuries, Rs 1 lakh for fully damaged structures, Rs 50,000 for severely damaged structures, and Rs 25,000 for partially damaged structures.
Meanwhile, the rescue and relief operations entered their third day.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh, accompanied by Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat, visited the devastated village late Friday night and reviewed ongoing efforts by the police, Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Border Roads Organisation (BRO), civil administration, and local volunteers operating in the high-altitude terrain.
So far, 46 out of 60 bodies have been identified and handed over to the next of kin after completion of all medico-legal formalities. The search continues for those still missing, with around 75 more reported missing by their families.
The disaster struck Chositi, the last motorable village en route to the Machail Mata temple, at around 12:25 pm on August 14. The flash floods flattened a makeshift market, a langar (community kitchen) site for the yatra, and a security outpost.
Rescue efforts have been intensified with nearly a dozen earthmovers deployed by the civil administration, along with specialised equipment and dog squads from the NDRF.
Also Read: Kishtwar cloudburst toll mounts to 60, PM assures all help
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