38 Killed After Massive Cloudburst in J&K
A devastating cloudburst in Jammu and Kashmir’s Chashoti village on Thursday has claimed the lives of at least 38 people, with several others injured. The flash flood caused by the cloudburst has left a trail of destruction, with officials warning that the death toll is feared to rise.
The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon, catching residents of Chashoti village off guard. The cloudburst was followed by a flash flood that swept through the village, causing widespread damage to properties and infrastructure. The floodwaters also disrupted communication services, making it difficult for rescue teams to reach the affected areas.
According to reports, the Machail Mata Yatra, an annual pilgrimage to a shrine in the region, has been suspended due to the flash flood. Chashoti village is the starting point of the yatra, which attracts thousands of devotees every year.
The Jammu and Kashmir administration has launched a rescue operation to evacuate those stranded by the floodwaters. Teams of rescue workers, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local volunteers, are working tirelessly to reach those in need of assistance.
“The situation is being monitored closely, and all necessary steps are being taken to provide relief to the affected families,” said a senior government official. “The death toll is feared to rise, but we are doing everything possible to minimize the damage.”
The cloudburst is believed to have been triggered by a sudden change in weather conditions. The region has been experiencing heavy rainfall over the past few days, leading to a buildup of water in the catchment areas.
The flash flood has also caused significant damage to infrastructure, including roads and bridges. Several villages in the surrounding areas have been cut off, making it difficult for people to access essential services.
Local residents have expressed their shock and grief at the loss of life. “We were caught off guard by the sudden floodwaters,” said a villager who did not want to be named. “Many of our neighbors are missing, and we fear the worst.”
The incident is a stark reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness and the need for effective emergency response mechanisms. The Jammu and Kashmir administration has announced an ex-gratia relief package for the affected families, and efforts are underway to provide assistance to those in need.
As the region continues to reel from the impact of the flash flood, the government and humanitarian organizations are working together to provide relief and support to those affected. The people of Jammu and Kashmir are bracing themselves for the worst, hoping that the situation will stabilize soon.
