At least 60 killed, several trapped after cloudburst in J&K
A devastating cloudburst struck Chashoti village in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district on Thursday afternoon, leaving a trail of destruction and chaos in its wake. The disaster has claimed at least 60 lives and injured over 100 people, with several more feared trapped under the debris.
The cloudburst, which occurred around 2 pm, caught the residents of Chashoti village off guard, causing widespread damage to homes and infrastructure. The heavy downpour of rain and hailstones was so intense that it snapped power lines and brought down trees, blocking roads and making it difficult for rescue teams to reach the affected areas.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah confirmed the death toll, stating that at least 60 people had lost their lives in the disaster. “I believe more than 500 people are still trapped under the debris in Kishtwar,” he added, indicating the scale of the tragedy.
Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Chief Farooq Abdullah echoed the Chief Minister’s sentiments, saying that the situation was dire and that a large-scale rescue operation was underway to evacuate those trapped.
The cloudburst was so severe that it caused a flash flood in the nearby rivers, further compounding the disaster. The swollen rivers have destroyed several bridges and damaged roads, making it difficult for rescue teams to reach the affected areas.
Rescue efforts are being led by the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army, and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), with teams working around the clock to evacuate those trapped and provide aid to the affected families.
The Indian Air Force has also been deployed to help with the rescue efforts, with helicopters being used to transport personnel and supplies to the affected areas.
As the rescue operation continues, authorities are working to provide food, shelter, and medical aid to the affected families. The government has also set up relief camps to accommodate those who have lost their homes.
The cloudburst has also caused significant damage to the infrastructure of the region, with several buildings and roads destroyed or damaged. The power supply has also been disrupted in several areas, leaving thousands of people without electricity.
The people of Jammu and Kashmir are no strangers to natural disasters, having faced numerous floods, landslides, and earthquakes in recent years. However, the scale of this disaster is unprecedented, and the people are reeling from the shock.
As the rescue operation continues, the people of Jammu and Kashmir are coming together to support those affected by the disaster. Donations are pouring in from across the country, with many organizations and individuals offering to help with the relief efforts.
The government is also working to provide aid to the affected families, with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stating that the government would do everything in its power to help those affected by the disaster.
In the face of this tragedy, the people of Jammu and Kashmir are showing remarkable resilience and courage. Despite the challenges they are facing, they are coming together to support each other and rebuild their lives.
As the rescue operation continues, it is clear that the road to recovery will be long and difficult. However, with the help of the government, aid organizations, and the people of Jammu and Kashmir, those affected by the disaster will be able to rebuild their lives and move forward.
News Source:
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/60-killed-500-feared-trapped-after-cloudburst-in-j-ks-kishtwar-9090951/amp/1
