Srinagar, Aug. 19 -- Talking to reporters, the Chief Minister said, "The situation in Kishtwar is known to all and day-by-day, it is becoming impossible to trace the missing people alive. In such a situation, our efforts will be to recover as many bodies and hand them over to the families for the last rites."

According to officials, searches are continuing at Chisoti village where over 60 bodies have been recovered so far. The August 14 cloudburst struck the last motorable hamlet en route to the Machail Mata temple, triggering flash floods that left a trail of destruction. A total of 167 persons were rescued.

Omar assured that the government will provide all possible assistance to the affected families. "Whatever help we have to provide...