Srinagar, Aug 14 (KNO): Speaker Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather Thursday expressed deepest shock and grief over the tragic Kishtwar cloudburst.
The Speaker urged the government authorities to ensure all possible help and support to the affected families who lost their loved ones in such an unfortunate incident. He said that the entire nation is in deep grief over this irreparable loss and stands in solidarity with the affected families.
He also appealed to the voluntary organisations and the public to come forward and extend every possible assistance to those in distress.
Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, has expressed deep grief over the tragic loss of lives caused by the devastating cloudburst in the Chasoti village of Kishtwar district.
In her condolence message, Sakeena Itoo described the incident as a heartrending tragedy that has plunged the entire Jammu & Kashmir into mourning. She extended her deepest condolences to the bereaved families and also prayed for eternal peace to the departed souls.
The Minister said that the Health department has been asked to ensure proper medical care for all the injured persons. She also asked for timely evacuation of patients for advanced treatment to the advanced health facilities.
Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs and Information Technology, Satish Sharma, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident of cloudburst that struck the Chositi area along the Machail Mata Yatra route in Kishtwar, leaving several people feared dead.
In his message, the Minister said, “I am deeply pained by the loss of precious lives in the unfortunate cloudburst during the sacred Machail Mata Yatra. My heartfelt condolences go out to the bereaved families and I pray for the speedy recovery of all those injured.”
Satish Sharma lauded the swift response of the district administration, rescue teams and volunteers who immediately rushed to the spot to carry out relief and evacuation operations. He assured that the government is closely monitoring the situation and that all necessary assistance, including medical support and rehabilitation measures, will be extended to the affected people.
The Minister further appealed to yatris and locals to cooperate with the administration and follow safety advisories being issued from time to time to ensure smooth and secure conduct of the yatra.
Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, has expressed profound grief over the tragic loss of lives due to cloudburst in Kishtwar.
Extending heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, Rana said it is a tragic incident. "I extend my condolences to the bereaved families of the deceased and pray for the speedy recovery of all those injured in the calamity," he said.
In response to the incident, the Minister immediately spoke with the Deputy Commissioner of Kishtwar and directed for swift, coordinated and effective rescue and relief operations to minimize further loss and provide urgent support to the affected population.
“The Jammu and Kashmir government stands firmly with the people of Kishtwar in this hour of grief. Every possible assistance will be extended to the affected families,” the Minister stated.
He also commended the efforts of local administration, disaster response teams and volunteers for their prompt action and asked them to ensure timely aid and rehabilitation for the affected.
Meanwhile, National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah expressed profound anguish and sorrow over the devastating cloudburst that struck the Chositi area near Machail Mata Shrine in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday reportedly claiming at least 33 lives, while over 220 individuals remain missing.
According to a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Dr. Farooq extended his deep sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones in the tragic event.
Describing the incident as a "monumental tragedy", he called on the administration to intensify rescue and relief operations and to ensure swift rehabilitation and support for the affected population.
"This is a moment of collective grief. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who have lost their lives or are missing. I salute the courage and dedication of the rescue teams working under such difficult circumstances," Dr. Abdullah said.
He emphasized the need for the government to reach out proactively to the victims and provide timely assistance, medical care, temporary shelter, and compensation. He also appealed to locals and volunteers to cooperate with authorities in ongoing rescue efforts by rescue teams, immediately dispatched to the disaster site for large-scale operations which are underway to search for survivors and evacuate those trapped.
Dr. Farooq Abdullah reiterated his party's full support for all humanitarian and relief initiatives aimed at mitigating the suffering of those affected by this calamity—(KNO)