Prime Minister Modi and President Murmu join political leaders in expressing grief over rising death toll after Kishtwar downpour in J&K.

A heavy downpour hit Chositi, a remote mountain village in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir, on Thursday, August 14, leaving at least 38 people dead, including two CISF personnel, and dozens injured.

The authorities fear that the toll will rise, with several people still missing. So far, around 120 people have been rescued, of whom 38 are said to be in serious condition.

The disaster occurred between noon and 1 p.m., when pilgrims had gathered for the ongoing Machail Mata Yatra. Political leaders across the country express their grief, offer their condolences and assure their assistance.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X: “My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected…The situation is being closely monitored. All possible assistance will be provided to those who need it.”

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President Murmu offers condolences to lives lost

President Droupadi Murmu offered condolences to the lost loves due to the downpour in Kishtwar.

“The news of several deaths due to downpour in Kishtwar, Jammu Kashmir is extremely tragic. I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the success of the relief and rescue operations,” she said in a Hindi statement on X.

Read more: Downpour wreaks havoc in J&K’s Kishtwar, a week after Uttarakhand disaster – Deadly natural calamities

J&K CM cancels house party

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has announced the cancellation of the ‘at home’ tea party and cultural events planned for Independence Day.

“We have also decided not to hold cultural events during the morning Independence Day celebrations. Formal events – speeches, parade, etc. – will go ahead as planned,” he said in a post on X.

https://twitter.com/OmarAbdullah/status/1955960599206334940?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw” rel=”nofollow” class=”anchorLink

Former CM Ghulam Nabi Azad expressed deep sadness, urging the government to ensure urgent relief and relief.

https://twitter.com/ghulamnazad/status/1955933040963936439?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw” rel=”nofollow” class=”anchorLink

Rahul Gandhi termed the incident “extremely tragic” and called on the administration to speed up operations while urging Congress workers to extend help on the ground.

https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1955957790171914277?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw” rel=”nofollow” class=”anchorLink

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