Srinagar, Aug 14 (KNS): At least 32 people have been killed, 98 injured, and more than 100 reported missing after a massive cloudburst hit Chasothi area of Kishtwar district on Thursday.

An official told KNS that the death toll is likely to rise as rescue operationsare still going on. “So far, 32 bodies have been recovered, 98 people have been injured, and over a hundred are still missing. Rescue teams are facing challenges due to damaged access routes, but efforts are in full swing,” the official said.

Leader of Opposition and local MLA Sunil Sharma, who is on the ground and assisting rescue teams in retrieving bodies, said he has spoken to Union Home Minister Amit Shah to apprise him of the situation.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in a post on X, said, “Spoke with the LG and Chief Minister of J&K on the cloudburst in Kishtwar district. The local administration is conducting relief and rescue operations. NDRF teams have promptly been rushed to the site.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelWe are closely monitoring the situation and stand firmly with the people of Jammu and Kashmir through every situation. Assured of all possible assistance to the people in need.”

In another post, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed grief and announced changes to Independence Day celebrations in view of the tragedy.

“In light of the tragedy caused by the cloud burst in Kishtwar I have taken the decision to cancel the ‘At Home’ tea party tomorrow evening. We have also decided not to go ahead with the cultural events during the morning Independence Day celebrations. The formal events – speech, march past etc – will go ahead as planned,” Omar posted on X.

Officials said rescue and relief operations are being jointly carried out by Civil Administration, Police, Army, NDRF, and SDRF, with focus on locating the missing and providing medical assistance to the injured.(KNS)