Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday confirmed that at least 55 bodies have been recovered so far in the aftermath of the devastating cloudburst and flash floods that struck Kishtwar, while several more people remain missing.
“Till now, 55 bodies have been retrieved. We have lost many precious lives, and many people are still missing…We have got information about the recovery of a body near the Dul Hasti dam site,” Abdullah said while speaking to ANI.
The Chief Minister said that the administration’s top priority is to continue ongoing rescue and relief measures. “Our focus is on rescue operations and saving lives, and then relief and rehabilitation. In these difficult times, we are with those affected,” he stated.
Chief Secretary Reviews Relief Measures
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo also visited the flood-hit areas of Kishtwar to oversee ongoing rescue and relief efforts. He said that multiple agencies including CISF, CRPF, and J&K Police have been deployed, alongside a large number of ambulances to support rescue operations.
Dulloo assured that the government is committed to permanent rehabilitation of the affected families. “People affected will be allotted land to build their houses, and we will help them,” he said.
Relief and Compensation Package Announced
Earlier in the day, CM Omar Abdullah announced a comprehensive relief package from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. The compensation includes:
- Rs 2 lakh for the families of each deceased.
- Rs 1 lakh for those severely injured.
- Rs 50,000 for people with minor injuries.
- Rs 1 lakh for fully damaged structures.
- Rs 50,000 for severely damaged structures.
- Rs 25,000 for partially damaged structures.
The CM personally visited the affected villages, met grieving families, and assured them that the government stands firmly with them in this hour of crisis.
In a post on X, the JK CMO said: “Chief Minister visited the cloudburst-affected areas of Kishtwar today and met affected families. He expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and damage and said the Government stands firmly with the people in this hour of grief. As a mark of solidarity and immediate succour, the Chief Minister announced ex-gratia relief and instructed immediate restoration of infrastructure.”
Rescue teams are continuing operations in Kishtwar as several people remain missing, while the administration works to restore essential services and provide shelter for the displaced.