- At approximately 1245 hours yesterday, a massive cloudburst triggered a landslide in Chisoti village of Kishtwar. Troops of the Indian Army, including elements of 17 Rashtriya Rifles part of Delta Force deployed at Dul, were the first to respond. Relief columns were immediately mobilised and reached the incident site without delay.
- Operations are being conducted in close coordination with the Civil Administration, Police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and other security agencies. The focus remains on safeguarding lives, providing immediate assistance to survivors and locating those reported missing. Relief stores, medical teams and specialised rescue equipment have been rushed to the site.
- Currently, five relief columns under the Commanding Officer, 17 RR, are deployed at Chisoti. The Regimental Medical Officer, 17 RR, is overseeing on-ground medical assistance. To maintain the availability of the Primary Health Centre for continuing operations, the maximum number of injured have been evacuated to Kishtwar and Jammu. An additional medical team from Military Hospital Bhaderwah is enroute to reinforce medical relief efforts.
- Over five columns, comprising approximately 300 personnel and medical detachments of the Indian Army are engaged in rescue operations. Several stranded civilians have been evacuated to safe locations, where they are being provided with food, water and essential supplies. Overall, the situation has improved since yesterday, but search and rescue work is ongoing in challenging terrain.
- Casualty Details (as of latest update):
• Fatalities: 48 (36 identified)
• Bodies Handed Over to NOK: 34
• Missing: 73
• Injured: 300 - The Delta Force of the Indian Army has initiated efforts to induct and establish a footbridge across the nala to facilitate movement of personnel and equipment. Earth-moving machinery is also being brought forward to support clearance and access.
- The Indian Army reaffirms its commitment that only after the last person is brought to safety will troops return to their barracks.
Col N Arun,
Commanding Officer
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