Calling the loss of life “heartbreaking” on what is otherwise a day of national celebration, he confirmed that many more people remain missing and said the exact figures are still uncertain.

Abdullah assured there would be “no shortage of help from the government” but stressed that an inquiry was necessary to determine if administrative lapses had contributed to the tragedy, given that there had already been a weather forecast warning of heavy rains and flash floods.

“Could we have taken more steps from the government and the administration to save these precious lives? We have to make ourselves accountable on this account,” he said.

However, It is good to see the prime minister, the leader of our great nation and of the central government (under whose express care the union territory ‘thrives’ since the abrogation of Article 370 and revocation of its statehood) make time to publicly check on the tragedy after almost a whole day has passed and various other political parties have already extended support and aid on the ground, expressing solidarity and sorrow. A timely intervention, for sure.

With PTI inputs