Does the multiplicity of Quranic readings (Qira'at) constitute a distortion of it?

The Holy Quran is preserved from alteration and distortion, as evidenced by Allah’s saying: "Indeed, it is We who sent down the Dhikr (the Quran) and indeed, We will be its Guardian" (Quran 15:9). The Muslim nation has unanimously agreed on its preservation from distortion, and whoever claims that it has been distorted is considered a disbeliever. The multiplicity of readings (Qira'at) is not a form of distortion, for the continuous (mutawatir) readings are all part of the Quran and have been narrated from the Prophet, peace be upon him, and there is no contradiction among them. Distortion is an alteration made by humans in the Book of Allah, such as changing words or adding to it. An example of this is what is mentioned in some versions of the Torah regarding the death of Moses, or the crucifixion of Jesus in some Gospels, which is not from what Allah revealed. Distortion may also refer to distorting meanings and interpreting them contrary to Allah's intent, such as the Jews changing the word "stoning" to "حد" (a specific punishment) in some instances.