Srinagar, Aug 15 (KNS): People’s Democratic Front (PDF) President and former minister Hakeem Yaseen on Friday expressed profound grief and sorrow over the tragic cloudburst that struck Chasoti village, located on the route to the revered Machail Mata shrine in Kishtwar district.

The disaster, which has left several persons feared dead and many others missing, has plunged the region into deep mourning.

Calling the calamity “the biggest loss” for the affected families and the entire Kishtwar region in recent years, he said the tragedy has left every member of the PDF leadership and cadre heartbroken.

Yaseen extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for eternal peace to the departed souls, while also wishing speedy recovery to the injured.

“This calamity has shaken us all to the core. The pain of losing loved ones in such a sudden and devastating manner is beyond words. Our prayers are with the families who have suffered irreparable losses, and with those still awaiting news of missing relatives,” he said.

The former minister urged the Lieutenant Governor-led administration to immediately scale up rescue and relief operations by mobilising National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, medical personnel, heavy machinery, and adequate relief material to the disaster site.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

He called for setting up temporary shelters equipped with food, drinking water, blankets, and medicines, as well as ensuring swift evacuation of those in danger.

Yaseen also stressed the importance of comprehensive rehabilitation measures, including financial compensation to the affected families, rebuilding damaged homes, and restoring livelihoods.

Expressing concern over the recurrence of such natural calamities in the region, Yaseen urged authorities to treat this incident as a wake-up call.

He recommended the installation of early warning systems in disaster-prone zones, periodic safety audits of pilgrimage routes and hilly areas, and training local communities in emergency response.

“Beyond mourning, there is a responsibility to act. This tragedy must push us to strengthen our disaster preparedness so that such heartbreaking incidents can be prevented in the future,” Yaseen said.

The PDF President concluded by assuring the people of Kishtwar that his party stands in solidarity with them during this hour of grief and will extend every possible support in coordination with the administration and relief agencies.