Omar Abdullah on Kishtwar Flash Flood: “55 Bodies Recovered, Focus on Rescue and Relief”

Kishtwar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday confirmed that the death toll in the devastating flash floods in Kishtwar has climbed to 55, while many people remain missing. The Chief Minister, addressing the media after reviewing the situation, described the tragedy as one of the most painful natural disasters the region has faced in recent years.

“Till now, 55 bodies have been retrieved. We have lost many precious lives, and many people are still missing,” Abdullah said, adding that reports had come in about a body being recovered near the Dul Hasti dam site. He stressed that the administration’s top priority is saving lives. “Our focus is on rescue operations and saving lives, and then relief and rehabilitation. In these difficult times, we are with those affected,” he assured.

Teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and Army units are carrying out massive rescue and relief operations. However, heavy rains, landslides, and debris have slowed down efforts, making access to some of the worst-hit villages extremely difficult.

Locals have reported widespread destruction of houses, bridges, and roads. Electricity and communication lines have also been severely affected. Authorities have set up temporary shelters and relief camps for displaced families.

Kishtwar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday confirmed that the death toll in the devastating flash floods in Kishtwar has climbed to 55, while many people remain missing. The Chief Minister, addressing the media after reviewing the situation, described the tragedy as one of the most painful natural disasters the region has faced in recent years.

“Till now, 55 bodies have been retrieved. We have lost many precious lives, and many people are still missing,” Abdullah said, adding that reports had come in about a body being recovered near the Dul Hasti dam site. He stressed that the administration’s top priority is saving lives. “Our focus is on rescue operations and saving lives, and then relief and rehabilitation. In these difficult times, we are with those affected,” he assured.

Teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and Army units are carrying out massive rescue and relief operations. However, heavy rains, landslides, and debris have slowed down efforts, making access to some of the worst-hit villages extremely difficult.

Locals have reported widespread destruction of houses, bridges, and roads. Electricity and communication lines have also been severely affected. Authorities have set up temporary shelters and relief camps for displaced families.