Kishtwar, August 23 : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to visit the flood-ravaged Kishtwar district on Sunday, where rescue operations have stretched into their sixth day following a deadly cloudburst that wreaked havoc in Chasoti village.
The cloudburst, which struck on August 14, unleashed sudden flash floods that devastated the area, leaving at least 65 people dead and more than 70 still missing. With bodies continuing to be recovered from debris and downstream areas, authorities have termed it one of the most tragic natural calamities in the region’s recent history.
Singh is expected to take stock of the ongoing rescue and relief operations, interact with officials overseeing the crisis response, and meet families affected by the disaster. His visit comes as teams from the Army, NDRF, SDRF, and local administration work round-the-clock across the rugged terrain in a race against time.
Chasoti, the village worst hit, lies on the path of the Machail Mata Yatra—an annual pilgrimage that sees thousands journey to the Chandi Mata shrine in the remote Paddar Valley.
With the yatra currently underway, officials are on high alert, reassessing safety protocols for pilgrims passing through the affected zones.(KNS).
