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 the lives of at least 60 people, with over 100 more injured. The situation is still grim, with several hundred people feared trapped under the debris.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah confirmed the death toll, stating that the rescue operation is underway. However, the real extent of the damage is yet to be assessed, with many areas still inaccessible due to the sheer scale of the destruction.
According to reports, the cloudburst occurred around 2 pm on Thursday, catching residents off guard. The sudden and intense downpour caused flash floods, landslides, and massive destruction to properties and infrastructure. The village, located in the remote Kishtwar district, is a popular tourist destination known for its natural beauty.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as “apocalyptic,” with buildings reduced to rubble, trees uprooted, and debris scattered everywhere. The villagers were caught unaware, with many trapped in their homes or swept away by the floodwaters.
“The situation is very grim. We are doing our best to rescue those trapped, but it’s a massive challenge,” said Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Chief Farooq Abdullah. “I believe more than 500 people are still trapped under the debris in Kishtwar.”
The authorities have launched a massive rescue operation, with teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and the Indian Army involved in the efforts. The rescue teams are facing challenges due to the remote location of the village and the destruction caused by the cloudburst.
The cloudburst has also caused widespread destruction to the infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and buildings. The village is now cut off from the rest of the world, with communication networks and electricity supplies disrupted.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning for heavy rainfall in the region, advising people to exercise caution and avoid traveling to affected areas. The IMD has also issued a warning for the possibility of more cloudbursts and flash floods in the region.
The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has announced an ex-gratia relief of Rs. 5 lakh to the families of those who have lost their lives in the disaster. The government has also set up relief camps to provide assistance to the affected families.
The cloudburst has sent shockwaves across the country, with people expressing their condolences and offering assistance to the affected families. The disaster has also raised concerns about the preparedness of the authorities to deal with such disasters.
As the rescue operation continues, the authorities are working tirelessly to provide assistance to the affected families. The government has also announced an inquiry into the disaster to identify the causes and take steps to prevent such disasters in the future.
