BJP slams Rahul Gandhi for skipping Independence Day event at Red Fort

Kishtwar cloudburst: Death toll rises, rescue efforts continue

A terrible tragedy has unfolded in Kishtwar, Jammu region, following a cloudburst that triggered flash floods. Around 40 people are confirmed dead, with the number of fatalities escalating. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken stock of the situation, assuring all possible help. Jammu Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated, "I just now received a call from Honorable Prime Minister. I briefed him about the situation in Kishtwar, the steps being taken by the administration. My government and people hit by the tragic cloudburst are grateful for the support and the assistance provided by the Union Government." The disaster, involving boulders and mud slush, has reportedly wiped out a complete village. Rescue efforts are ongoing, hampered by weather conditions, with chances of finding survivors looking bleak after almost 24 hours. Many pilgrims on the local religious Machel Mataki Yatra are among the missing and dead.