'Death Toll Very High': J&K LoP Sunil Sharma On Cloudburst In Kishtwar's Chositi

New Delhi: Speaking on the cloudburst that struck Kishtwar's chositi in Jammu & Kashmir on Thursday, Leader of Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, Sunil Sharma, claimed that the death toll is very high.

Speaking to India Today Sharma said, "There were nearly 1200 people present at the spot where the cloudburst was reported."

"96 people are injured. Among them, 30 are critically injured. Death toll is very high. Dead bodies are being recovered. Rescue teams are yet to reach the spot. Local residents and local police are carrying out rescue operations now," he said.

40 dead bodies have been recovered till now during the rescue operations in Kishtwar.

Prime Minister Modi & Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Express Grief

PM Narendra Modi promised every possible assistance to those affected due to the cloudburst. "My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the cloudburst and flooding in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir. The situation is being monitored closely. Rescue and relief operations are underway. Every possible assistance will be provided to those in need," PM Modi said on X.

My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the cloudburst and flooding in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir. The situation is being monitored closely. Rescue and relief operations are underway. Every possible assistance will be provided to those in need.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 14, 2025

"Deeply pained by the tragic loss of lives in the Kishtwar cloudburst, J&K. My heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured," Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said in a post on X.

Deeply pained by the tragic loss of lives in the Kishtwar cloudburst, J&K. My heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured.

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) August 14, 2025

Reportedly, Union Minister Jitendra Singh is likely to visit the Kishtwar cloudburst site on Friday to take stock of the situation. However, his visit depends on the weather conditions in the area.

CM Omar Abdullah Cancels ‘At Home’ Tea Party & Independence Day Cultural Celebrations

CM Omar Abdullah announced that he has canceled the at-home tea party and the cultural events on the occasion of Independence Day celebrations. “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. We have also 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,” CM Omar Abdullah said on X.

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. We have also decided not to go ahead with the cultural events during the morning Independence Day celebrations. The formal events - speech,…

— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) August 14, 2025

Deeply distressed to learn about the devastating cloudburst in the Chositi area of Padder, which may lead to significant loss of life.I have just spoken with LG @manojsinha_ Ji and @DrJitendraSingh Ji to assess the situation. NDRF teams and helicopters are being mobilized to the… pic.twitter.com/dGtOk1yWlM

— Sunil Sharma (@Sunil_SharmaBJP) August 14, 2025

'Very Unfortunate, Would Like PM Modi To Take Global Warming Very Seriously': National Conference President Farooq Abdullah On Kishtwar Cloudburst

A massive cloudburst struck the Chashoti area in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district on Thursday. The cloudburst triggered flash floods, causing widespread damage in the region.