38 Killed After Massive Cloudburst in J&K
A devastating cloudburst in Jammu and Kashmir’s Chashoti village on Thursday has left a trail of destruction, claiming the lives of at least 38 people and injuring dozens more. The incident has sent shockwaves across the region, with authorities warning that the death toll is feared to rise.
According to reports, the massive cloudburst caused a flash flood in the area, which swept away homes, buildings, and infrastructure, leaving a widespread trail of destruction. The affected areas include Chashoti village, which is located in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Machail Mata Yatra, an annual pilgrimage to the revered Machail Mata temple, has been suspended indefinitely following the flash floods. Chashoti is the starting point of the annual yatra, which attracts thousands of devotees from across the region.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as catastrophic, with raging waters destroying everything in their path. “The water was like a tsunami,” said a local resident, who wished to remain anonymous. “It swept away everything, including homes and buildings. We were lucky to escape with our lives.”
Rescue efforts are underway, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and the Indian Army being deployed to the affected areas. The administration has also set up relief camps to provide shelter and assistance to the affected families.
The Jammu and Kashmir administration has declared a state of emergency in the affected areas and has appealed to people to maintain calm and cooperate with the rescue efforts. “We are doing everything possible to rescue those trapped and provide assistance to the affected families,” said a senior administration official.
The cloudburst has also disrupted communication services in the area, with mobile networks and internet services being affected. The administration has set up emergency helplines to provide assistance to those affected.
The Machail Mata Yatra is an annual pilgrimage that attracts thousands of devotees from across the region. The yatra is a significant event in the region, and the suspension of the yatra has caused widespread concern among devotees and locals alike.
The cause of the cloudburst is still unclear, but experts believe that it may have been triggered by heavy rainfall and cloud formation in the region. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning of heavy rainfall in the region, advising people to exercise caution.
The incident has sent shockwaves across the region, with people expressing their condolences and offering support to the affected families. “My heart goes out to the families who have lost loved ones in this tragic incident,” said a social media user. “We must come together to support those affected and rebuild the affected areas.”
As rescue efforts continue, the administration has appealed to people to maintain calm and cooperate with the rescue efforts. “We are doing everything possible to rescue those trapped and provide assistance to the affected families,” said a senior administration official.
News Source:
https://x.com/PTI_News/status/1955974484797620477
