37 killed, over 100 injured in huge J&K cloudburst

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah decided to cancel the 'At Home' in connection with Independence Day due to the Kishtwar tragedy that has left 37 dead and over 100 injured after a massive cloudburst hit Chositi village in Padder subdivision of Kishtwar district on Thursday.

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"In light of the tragedy caused by the cloud burst in Kishtwar, I have taken the decision to cancel the 'At Home' tea party tomorrow evening," Omar Abdullah informed on the X.

The Chief Minister also said that the government has decided not to go ahead with the cultural events during the morning Independence Day celebrations.

"The formal events - speech, march past etc will go ahead as planned," the Chief Minister informed.

Following the cloudburst, the Jammu and Kashmir government under Omar Abdullah have shifted the injured to the hospital for treatment, while helicopters have been pressed into service to evacuate the injured people.

MOS (PMO) Jitendra Singh confirmed that the cloudburst hit Chositi, adding that the rescue operation has already started.

Singh said rescue teams have already been dispatched to the site to carry out damage assessment and provide necessary rescue and medical assistance.

He assured that his office is receiving regular updates and all possible support will be extended to the affected area.