At Least 60 Killed, Several Trapped After Cloudburst in J&K
In a devastating turn of events, a massive cloudburst struck Chashoti village in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district on Thursday afternoon, claiming the lives of at least 60 people and leaving over 100 injured. The Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, confirmed the tragic news, but warned that the death toll could rise further as rescue efforts are still underway.
According to reports, the cloudburst occurred at around 2:30 pm, catching residents off guard and causing widespread destruction. The storm brought heavy rains and strong winds, which led to landslides and flash floods in the area. The severity of the disaster was exacerbated by the fact that the village is located in a remote region, making it challenging for rescue teams to reach the affected areas.
Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Chief, Farooq Abdullah, expressed his concerns about the number of people still trapped under the debris. “I believe more than 500 people are still trapped under the debris in Kishtwar,” he stated. The rescue operation is ongoing, with teams from the Army, Police, and Disaster Response Force (DRF) working together to reach those in need.
The cloudburst has also left many families homeless, with reports suggesting that over 200 houses have been destroyed or damaged beyond repair. The villagers are in dire need of shelter, food, and medical aid, and relief teams are working tirelessly to provide assistance.
The cause of the cloudburst is still unknown, but experts believe that it may have been triggered by a combination of factors, including heavy rainfall and melting snow in the region. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a warning about heavy rainfall in the region earlier in the day, but the severity of the storm was not anticipated.
The people of Jammu and Kashmir are no strangers to natural disasters, having faced numerous floods, landslides, and earthquakes in the past. However, the scale of this disaster has left many shaken, and the government is working to provide all necessary assistance to those affected.
Rescue teams have been working through the night to reach those trapped under the debris, with many residents being pulled out alive. The Army has deployed its choppers to reach remote areas, and medical teams are providing treatment to the injured.
The government has also set up relief camps in the affected areas, providing shelter, food, and blankets to those who have been displaced. The Chief Minister has assured that all necessary support will be provided to the affected families, and that the government is working to ensure that those who have lost their homes are provided with new ones.
As the rescue operation continues, the people of Jammu and Kashmir are coming together to support those affected by the disaster. Many residents have donated food, clothing, and other essential items to the relief efforts, and local NGOs are providing medical aid and shelter to those in need.
The cloudburst in Kishtwar is a stark reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness and response. It is a wake-up call for the government to review its disaster management plans and to ensure that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are better equipped to deal with such disasters in the future.
As the people of Jammu and Kashmir work to rebuild their lives, our thoughts are with those who have been affected by this devastating disaster. We hope that the rescue efforts are successful, and that those who have lost their lives are remembered and honored.
