At Least 60 Killed, Several Trapped After Cloudburst in J&K
In what can be described as a devastating natural disaster, a massive cloudburst struck Chashoti village in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district on Thursday afternoon, leaving at least 60 people dead and over 100 injured. The tragedy has sent shockwaves across the region, with rescue teams working tirelessly to extricate those still trapped under the debris.
According to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the cloudburst occurred at around 2 pm on Thursday, causing widespread destruction and chaos in the village. “I believe more than 500 people are still trapped under the debris in Kishtwar,” Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Chief Farooq Abdullah stated, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
The cloudburst was reportedly caused by heavy rainfall in the region, which led to a sudden and intense release of water from the hills. The village was caught off guard, with many residents caught in the open, leaving them exposed to the fury of the natural disaster.
Eyewitnesses have described the scene as apocalyptic, with entire homes and buildings being swept away by the raging waters. The villagers, who were asleep or going about their daily routine when the cloudburst struck, were caught off guard and were unable to evacuate in time.
Rescue teams were quickly deployed to the affected area, and efforts are underway to rescue those still trapped under the debris. The Army, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are all involved in the rescue operation, which is being carried out in challenging conditions.
The rescue operation is being hampered by the remote location of the village and the treacherous terrain. The village is located in a valley, making it difficult for rescue teams to reach the affected areas. The teams are having to navigate steep slopes and mudslides to reach the trapped victims, making the operation even more challenging.
Despite the difficulties, the rescue teams are working tirelessly to save as many lives as possible. Medical teams are also on the scene, providing medical assistance to those injured in the disaster.
The cloudburst has also left many families without homes or livelihoods, with entire villages being destroyed. The local administration is working to provide assistance to the affected families, including food, shelter, and medical aid.
The government has also announced an ex-gratia compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the families of those who have lost their lives in the disaster.
The cloudburst is a stark reminder of the fury of nature and the importance of being prepared for such disasters. The incident highlights the need for better infrastructure and emergency preparedness measures in the region.
As the rescue operation continues, the nation is holding its breath, hoping for the safe rescue of those still trapped under the debris. The people of Jammu and Kashmir are known for their resilience and courage in the face of adversity, and it is hoped that they will emerge from this tragedy even stronger and more united.
