38 Killed After Massive Cloudburst in J&K
A devastating cloudburst in Jammu and Kashmir’s Chashoti village has claimed the lives of at least 38 people, with dozens more injured, according to the authorities. The incident occurred on Thursday, causing a flash flood that wrought havoc in the area. The death toll is feared to rise as the rescue operations are still underway.
The Machail Mata Yatra, an annual pilgrimage that draws thousands of devotees, has been suspended indefinitely due to the flash floods. Chashoti is the starting point of the yatra, which is one of the most revered pilgrimages in the region.
The cloudburst was reportedly triggered by heavy rainfall in the area, which caused the nearby river to overflow, resulting in a flash flood that swept away everything in its path. The villagers were caught off guard, leaving little time for them to evacuate or seek shelter.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with debris and rubble scattered everywhere, and people screaming for help. The floodwaters were reportedly knee-deep in many areas, making it difficult for rescue teams to reach affected residents.
“Many people were trapped in the floodwaters, and we had to use ropes and boats to rescue them,” said a rescue worker, who wished to remain anonymous. “The situation was extremely challenging, but we did our best to save as many lives as possible.”
The injured have been taken to nearby hospitals, where they are receiving treatment for their wounds. Many are reported to be in critical condition, and the medical staff are working tirelessly to stabilize them.
The administration has set up relief camps for the displaced residents, where they are being provided with food, shelter, and medical aid. The government has also announced an ex-gratia compensation of ₹5 lakh (approximately $6,700 USD) to the families of the deceased.
The Machail Mata Yatra is an annual pilgrimage that takes place in honor of the goddess Machail, who is revered by the locals for her alleged healing powers. The yatra typically attracts thousands of devotees from across the region, who travel to Chashoti to participate in the pilgrimage.
The suspension of the yatra is likely to cause inconvenience to the devotees, who were eagerly waiting for the event to take place. However, the authorities have decided to prioritize the safety of the residents and the devotees, and have put the yatra on hold until further notice.
The incident has sent shockwaves across the region, with many expressing condolences to the families of the deceased. The government has promised to provide all necessary assistance to the affected residents and has ordered an inquiry into the cloudburst to determine its cause and prevent such incidents in the future.
In the meantime, rescue efforts are still underway, and the authorities are working to provide aid to the affected residents. Our thoughts are with the families of the deceased and the residents of Chashoti village, who have been affected by this devastating incident.
