Kishtwar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], August 16 (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ravinder Raina on Saturday said a large number of people remain missing as rescue operations continue in Kishtwar district following a devastating flash flood triggered by a cloudburst on August 14 during the Machail Mata Yatra pilgrimage.

Raina said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh are personally monitoring the situation.

'There has been a huge loss of life and damage in Kishtwar. A search and rescue operation is being carried out here. A large number of people are still missing. PM Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh are personally monitoring the situation. J&K CM Omar Abdullah also visited the spot,' Raina told ANI.

The Indian Army is leading ground operations, supported by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Border Roads Organisation (BRO), police and local administration.

A senior SDRF official on Saturday said teams have been engaged in rescue operations since August 14.

The official highlighted the joint efforts of the SDRF, NDRF, and local NGOs working together.

'We have been carrying out the rescue operation since August 14. SDRF, NDRF, and teams of local NGOs are collectively working on the operation...Today, we recovered seven bodies,' the official said.

Amid ongoing rescue, Assistant Engineer S S Modhak from the BRO explained the road clearance challenges in the flood-affected region.

'We are clearing the roads. The boulders are being removed by using specialised machines...This is a very challenging operation,' Modhak said.

These updates come amid coordinated rescue efforts led by the Indian Army, with assistance from NDRF, CISF, SDRF, BRO, police, and local administration.

Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Leader of Opposition and Kishtwar MLA Sunil Kumar Sharma provided a detailed update on the multi-agency rescue efforts. He said on the first day, the injured were evacuated and sent to hospitals, while the second day focused on rescuing stranded travellers and clearing debris. 'To a large extent, we succeeded in this,' Sharma said.

He added that with better weather and road conditions on Saturday, operations have progressed more efficiently. 'The entire operation was under the command of the army, assisted by all companies of NDRF, CISF, SDRF, and BRO. Since morning, six bodies have been recovered... Today's relief and rescue operation went very well... In the next two days, a Bailey bridge will be set up here.'

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited the affected areas and confirmed the recovery of 55 bodies so far, with many people still missing. He expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and announced ex-gratia relief from the CM's Relief Fund: Rs 2 lakh for each deceased, Rs 1 lakh for severely injured, and Rs 50,000 for minor injuries. The government will also provide Rs 1 lakh for fully damaged structures, Rs 50,000 for severely damaged, and Rs 25,000 for partially damaged houses.

Abdullah said instructions were issued for the immediate restoration of affected infrastructure and assured that the government stands firmly with the people in this hour of grief. (ANI)