38 Killed After Massive Cloudburst in J&K
A devastating cloudburst in Jammu and Kashmir’s Chashoti village on Thursday has claimed the lives of at least 38 people, with the death toll feared to rise as rescue operations are ongoing. The flash flood caused by the cloudburst has also left dozens injured, leaving a trail of destruction and devastation in its wake.
The Machail Mata Yatra, an annual pilgrimage that attracts thousands of devotees, has been suspended indefinitely after the flash floods, as Chashoti is the starting point of the yatra. The yatra, which is a revered tradition in the region, was scheduled to take place from August 15 to September 5.
According to sources, the cloudburst occurred at around 11 am on Thursday, catching residents of Chashoti village off guard. The sudden and unexpected flood caused by the cloudburst swept away homes, livestock, and crops, leaving a path of destruction in its wake.
Rescue teams from the state administration and local authorities were rushed to the scene to evacuate those stranded and provide assistance to those affected. However, the rescue efforts have been hampered by the remote location of the affected area and the lack of infrastructure in the region.
The Jammu and Kashmir administration has set up relief camps in the affected areas to provide shelter, food, and medical assistance to those displaced by the flash flood. The administration has also deployed medical teams to provide medical aid to the injured.
The Chashoti village is located in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir, which is known for its natural beauty and picturesque landscapes. The region is also home to several shrines and pilgrimage sites, attracting tourists and devotees from across the country.
The Machail Mata Yatra is an annual pilgrimage that takes place in the region, attracting thousands of devotees who undertake the journey on foot to pay homage to the revered shrine of Mata Machail. The yatra is considered a sacred tradition in the region and is an important cultural and religious event.
The cloudburst and subsequent flash flood have not only caused significant loss of life and property but have also disrupted the annual yatra, which is a major economic driver for the local community. The suspension of the yatra is expected to have a significant impact on the local economy, which relies heavily on tourism and pilgrimages.
The Jammu and Kashmir administration has promised to provide all necessary assistance to the affected families and to ensure that those displaced by the flash flood are provided with adequate care and support. The administration has also announced an ex-gratia relief of ₹50,000 for the families of those who have lost their lives in the flash flood.
The cloudburst and flash flood in Chashoti village is a stark reminder of the natural disasters that can occur in the region and the importance of being prepared for such events. The incident highlights the need for better infrastructure and emergency preparedness measures in the region to mitigate the impact of such disasters.
As rescue operations continue and the death toll is expected to rise, the people of Jammu and Kashmir are coming together to support those affected by the flash flood. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of community and the need for collective action in times of crisis.
