Jammu and Kashmir Minister Javeed Dar today said 65 bodies have been recovered so far after a devastating cloudburst hit the remote village of Chositi in Kishtwar district yesterday.
“Figures shared with us reveal that so far 65 bodies have been recovered, while 100 to 150 people are still missing,” Dar told reporters after hoisting the National Flag and taking salute at the Independence Day paradein Baramulla district.
He said a massive rescue operation is underway to trace the missing.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah left for Kishtwar and is scheduled to visit the site of the tragedy early tomorrow morning to assess the extent of the damage. The Chief Minister will also review ongoing rescue operations and determine what additional assistance is required.
Meanwhile, National Conference president and former chief minister Farooq Abdullah today expressed grave concern over the situation in Kishtwar, saying hundreds of people were still feared trapped under debris.
“More than 500 people are trapped under the debris in Kishtwar,” Abdullah said. “Our DDC chairman there has told me the number could be as high as 1,000. We do not know the exact figure yet.”
