Srinagar, Aug 24: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday visited the Government Medical College (GMC), Jammu, to meet survivors of the devastating cloudburst that struck Chisoti village in Kishtwar on August 14. The natural disaster, which occurred during the Machail Mata Yatra, claimed at least 65 lives and left over 34 people missing.
Accompanied by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Union Minister Dr.Jitendra Singh, the Defence Minister interacted with the injured and medical staff, assuring full support from the Centre for relief and rehabilitation efforts.
“All patients admitted here are out of danger and recovering well. I am satisfied with the medical care being provided. I want to commend the doctors for their dedication,” Singh told reporters after meeting the injured.
He further added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is “deeply concerned” about the tragedy and is continuously monitoring the situation. “The Prime Minister asked me to assess the ground situation. I had intended to visit Chashoti, but due to inclement weather and a landslide at Pathernaki, it was not possible,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Defence minister conducted a detailed review of the rescue and relief operations via video conferencing from Jammu. He was briefed by officials on the status of ongoing efforts in the affected areas.
“The response from the State administration, Army, NDRF, SDRF, and J&K Police has been commendable. Their coordinated efforts in such adverse conditions are praiseworthy,” Singh noted.
Following his hospital visit, the Defence Minister chaired a high-level review meeting at Raj Bhavan, Jammu. Senior Army commanders, civil administration officials, LG Sinha, and Union Minister Jitendra Singh participated in the session. Officials presented a detailed overview of the destruction caused by the flash floods and updated the Minister on the progress of rescue and rehabilitation operations.
Singh reiterated the Centre’s commitment to supporting the Jammu and Kashmir administration in providing comprehensive assistance to the affected families. “This is a tragic natural calamity. The government stands firmly with the people of Kishtwar in this hour of grief,” he stated.
The cloudburst struck Chashoti village without warning in the early hours of August 14, unleashing sudden flash floods that swept through the region. Rescue teams continue search operations despite challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions.
Due to continuous rainfall and road blockages, Singh was unable to reach Kishtwar. “I had hoped to land in Gulabgarh, but even that was not possible due to landslides. Despite these hurdles, we ensured coordination through video conferencing with local officials,” he said.
After concluding his engagements in Jammu, the Defence Minister returned to New Delhi later in the afternoon.
