At Least 60 Killed, Several Trapped After Cloudburst in J&K
A devastating cloudburst in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district has claimed the lives of at least 60 people, with over 100 injured. The massive cloudburst struck Chashoti village in the early hours of Thursday afternoon, leaving a trail of destruction and chaos in its wake.
According to reports, the cloudburst was triggered by a sudden and intense downpour that caused widespread damage to homes, buildings, and infrastructure in the area. The disaster has left hundreds of families displaced, with many more feared trapped under the debris.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has confirmed the death toll, stating that at least 60 people have lost their lives in the disaster. “I believe more than 500 people are still trapped under the debris in Kishtwar,” Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Chief Farooq Abdullah added, highlighting the severity of the situation.
A large-scale rescue operation is currently underway to evacuate those trapped under the rubble and provide assistance to those affected by the disaster. Emergency services, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Indian Army, and local authorities, are working together to search for survivors and provide medical aid to the injured.
The cloudburst has also caused significant damage to infrastructure in the area, including roads, bridges, and buildings. The state government has announced an emergency relief package to provide assistance to those affected by the disaster.
The village of Chashoti is located in the remote and mountainous region of Kishtwar, which is prone to natural disasters such as landslides and cloudbursts. The region is also home to several ancient temples and historical sites, which are feared to have been damaged or destroyed in the disaster.
The cloudburst has sent shockwaves across the region, with people coming together to provide support and assistance to those affected. Residents of nearby villages have donated food, clothing, and other essential items to those displaced by the disaster.
The state government has also set up relief camps in the area to provide shelter and food to those affected. Medical teams are working around the clock to treat the injured, with many more feared to be trapped under the debris.
As the rescue operation continues, the government and emergency services are working to provide assistance to those affected by the disaster. The state government has also announced an investigation into the cause of the cloudburst, with experts suggesting that the sudden and intense downpour may have been triggered by a combination of factors, including climate change and deforestation.
In the aftermath of the disaster, there are growing concerns about the impact of climate change on the region. The cloudburst is the latest in a series of natural disasters to hit Jammu and Kashmir in recent years, including floods, landslides, and earthquakes.
As the region struggles to come to terms with the devastating impact of the cloudburst, there are growing calls for greater investment in disaster preparedness and response measures. The state government has announced plans to increase funding for disaster relief and mitigation measures, with a focus on improving infrastructure and emergency services in the region.
As the rescue operation continues, the people of Jammu and Kashmir are coming together to support those affected by the disaster. The disaster is a sobering reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness and response, and the need for greater investment in these areas to protect the lives and livelihoods of those affected.
