38 Killed After Massive Cloudburst in J&K
A devastating cloudburst in Jammu and Kashmir’s Chashoti village has led to a flash flood, claiming the lives of at least 38 people and injuring dozens more. The incident occurred on Thursday, leaving a trail of destruction and chaos in its wake. According to authorities, the death toll is feared to rise, as many people are still missing and rescue operations are underway.
The cloudburst, which was accompanied by heavy rainfall, struck the Chashoti village in Doda district, causing a flash flood that swept away homes, bridges, and other infrastructure. The villagers were caught off guard, leaving them with limited time to escape the fury of the floodwaters.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as “apocalyptic,” with buildings reduced to rubble and debris scattered everywhere. The villagers, who were attending the annual Machail Mata Yatra, were among the worst affected. The yatra, which is a popular pilgrimage, has been suspended indefinitely due to the flash flood.
The Machail Mata Yatra, which attracts thousands of devotees every year, begins from Chashoti village and culminates at Machail temple in Kishtwar district. The yatra is considered sacred by the locals, who believe that the goddess Machail grants them peace and prosperity.
Rescue teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), have been deployed to the affected area to evacuate stranded people and provide medical assistance to the injured. The teams are facing challenges due to the remote location of the village and the lack of infrastructure.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has also been called in to assist with the rescue efforts. An IAF helicopter has been deployed to transport the injured to hospitals in Jammu and Kashmir.
The cloudburst and subsequent flash flood have left many families without homes, and the authorities are working to provide them with shelter and basic amenities. 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 tragedy.
The Chashoti village is a small, picturesque town situated in the Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir. The village is known for its natural beauty, with lush green forests, gushing streams, and towering mountains. However, the recent cloudburst has left the village in ruins, and the residents are struggling to come to terms with the loss of life and property.
The incident has sent shockwaves across the state, with people from all walks of life expressing their condolences to the families of the victims. The state government has announced a high-level inquiry into the incident, and a team of officials has been sent to the affected area to assess the situation and provide assistance to the affected families.
In a statement, the Jammu and Kashmir government said, “The government is working on a war footing to provide all necessary assistance to the affected families. We are committed to providing relief and rehabilitation to those who have been affected by the flash flood.”
As the rescue efforts continue, the people of Jammu and Kashmir are coming together to support the families of the victims. The incident serves as a reminder of the fury of nature and the importance of being prepared for such disasters.
