Defence Minister Rajnath Singh affirmed the central government's commitment to aiding those affected by the recent cloudburst in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir. Singh's statement underscores the Prime Minister's deep concern and active monitoring of the relief and rehabilitation efforts in the region.
Singh had planned to visit the affected areas but was unable to do so due to inclement weather and landslides. Instead, he reviewed the situation in Chisoti village via video conferencing from Raj Bhavan in Jammu. During the review, he acknowledged the commendable efforts of the Union Territory administration, the Army, NDRF, SDRF, and the J&K Police in managing the crisis. Union Minister Jitendra Singh, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and senior Army and police officers were also present at the meeting.
The cloudburst struck Chisoti on August 14, resulting in flash floods that killed 65 people, mostly pilgrims, and injured over 100. As of August 24, search operations were ongoing for 32 individuals who were still missing. The natural disaster caused extensive damage, destroying a makeshift market, a community kitchen, 16 houses, government buildings, three temples, four water mills, a 30-meter bridge, and over a dozen vehicles.
Rajnath Singh also visited the Government Medical College Hospital in Jammu to meet with those injured in the cloudburst. He spoke with the 16 patients receiving treatment and was briefed by a team of doctors on their conditions. Singh praised the medical staff for their dedication and expressed satisfaction with the care provided, noting that the injured were recovering well.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who accompanied Singh, welcomed the Defence Minister at Raj Bhavan. Sinha stated that Rs 4.13 crore has been disbursed to the victims so far. He assured that both the state and central governments would ensure the rehabilitation of the affected families. Sinha also visited the Government Medical College (GMC) in Jammu, expressing hope for the swift recovery of the victims.
The Defence Minister lauded the efforts of the doctors at the medical college for their dedication in caring for the injured. He conveyed that all patients were out of danger and were recovering well.
