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. According to reports, at least 60 people have lost their lives, and over 100 others have been injured in the disaster.
The cloudburst occurred at around 2:30 pm, catching the residents of Chashoti village off guard. The sudden and intense rain caused widespread damage to homes, buildings, and infrastructure, trapping many people under the rubble. The situation is still dire, with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stating that more than 500 people are feared trapped under the debris.
The rescue operation is underway, with teams of emergency responders, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and the Army, working tirelessly to reach those trapped and provide aid to the affected.
The cloudburst was followed by a flash flood, which further exacerbated the situation. The floodwaters have inundated several areas, causing widespread damage and displacement. Many people are stranded, and the authorities are working to evacuate them to safer areas.
The village of Chashoti is located in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir, which is a remote and hilly region. The area is prone to natural disasters, including landslides and flash floods, due to its geography. However, the scale of the destruction caused by the cloudburst is unprecedented.
The authorities have set up relief camps in the affected area, where the injured are being treated and provided with food and shelter. The camps are also serving as temporary shelters for those who have been displaced by the disaster.
The cloudburst has also caused significant damage to the infrastructure in the area, including roads, bridges, and telecommunications networks. The authorities are working to restore these services as soon as possible.
The death toll from the cloudburst is expected to rise as rescue teams continue to search for survivors and retrieve bodies from the rubble. The authorities have appealed for calm and restraint, urging people to cooperate with the rescue efforts and provide assistance to the affected families.
The government has also announced an ex-gratia relief package for the families of the deceased and the injured. The package includes a financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh for the families of those who lost their lives and Rs 1 lakh for those who were injured.
The cloudburst in Chashoti village is a stark reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness and response. It is essential that the authorities and the people of Jammu and Kashmir work together to mitigate the impact of such disasters and provide support to those affected.
As the rescue operation continues, the people of Jammu and Kashmir are rallying behind the affected families, offering support and assistance in any way they can. The outpouring of support is a testament to the resilience and solidarity of the people of the region.
In the words of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, “The situation is very grim, and we are doing everything possible to rescue those trapped and provide aid to the affected families.” The authorities are working around the clock to respond to the disaster and provide relief to those affected.
As the situation evolves, it is essential that the authorities and the people of Jammu and Kashmir continue to work together to mitigate the impact of the disaster and provide support to those affected.
