Bhubaneswar: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik on Thursday expressed deep sorrow over the deaths caused by a massive cloudburst in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district. The disaster, which struck a remote village earlier in the day, has claimed at least 17 lives, while 65 people have been rescued so far. Officials warned that the toll may rise as search and rescue operations continue.
In a post on X, the former Odisha chief minister said, “Deeply saddened to know about the loss of so many precious lives following a massive cloudburst that struck in the #Kishtwar District of Jammu and Kashmir. My thoughts and prayers are with the grieving families during this difficult time, and I pray for the speedy recovery of those who have sustained injuries.”
Patnaik also invoked the blessings of Lord Jagannath, adding, “We pray to Lord Jagannatha to offer strength to the families who faced the nature’s fury, and salute the rescue personnel for their efforts to save precious lives.”
