65 Fatalities Reported in Kishtwar's Chashoti Village Due to Cloudburst; Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to Visit Sunday, Relief Package Anticipated.
Jammu: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will visit Chashoti village in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday. The area was struck by a devastating cloudburst on August 14, resulting in the death of 65 people and affecting hundreds more. During his visit, the Defence Minister will meet with the affected families and review the relief and rescue operations.
Relief Package Likely to be Announced
Rajnath Singh may announce a special relief package for the affected families. The central and state governments are jointly considering a plan to provide compensation and rehabilitation assistance to those affected. Previously, the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, reviewed the relief efforts and announced the provision of initial financial assistance to the families of the deceased.
Security Situation to be Discussed in Meeting
During the visit, Rajnath Singh will meet with officials from the army and other security agencies. The current security scenario in Jammu and Kashmir and the army's preparedness will also be reviewed. GOC Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma of the Northern Command has already visited Chashoti to assess the situation.
Chief Minister and Union Ministers Previously Assessed the Situation
Earlier, on August 16, the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, visited Chashoti and announced assistance of ₹2 lakh each to the families of the deceased from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund. Simultaneously, Union Minister Jitendra Singh also reviewed the relief and rescue operations.
According to officials, rescue teams are continuing their search for the missing. Several villages have been severely devastated by floods and landslides. Teams from the security forces, NDRF, and SDRF are continuously engaged in relief operations.
