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 dozens more injured, according to official reports. The flash flood triggered by the sudden release of water from the cloudburst has left a trail of destruction, with many more feared to be trapped in the debris. The Machail Mata Yatra, an annual pilgrimage that begins in Chashoti, has been suspended indefinitely due to the catastrophic event.
The cloudburst occurred in the early hours of Thursday, causing a sudden and massive release of water from the nearby mountains. The resulting flash flood swept through the village, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Many homes were destroyed, and the village’s infrastructure was severely damaged. The floodwaters also washed away crops and livestock, leaving the affected families without a means of livelihood.
Rescue efforts are underway to reach the affected areas and evacuate those trapped by the floodwaters. The Indian Army, along with local authorities and rescue teams, are working tirelessly to reach the stranded people and provide assistance. So far, 38 bodies have been recovered, and many more are feared to be trapped under the debris.
The Machail Mata Yatra, which is an annual pilgrimage to the Machail Mata temple, has been suspended indefinitely due to the flash flood. Chashoti is the starting point of the yatra, which attracts thousands of devotees from across the country. The yatra was scheduled to begin today, but the devastating flood has forced authorities to suspend it.
The government has set up relief camps in the affected areas to provide shelter, food, and medical assistance to the affected families. The camps are also providing psychological support to those who have been affected by the tragedy.
The cloudburst has also disrupted communication and power supply in the affected areas, making it challenging for rescue teams to reach the affected regions. The Indian Army has set up temporary communication centers to facilitate communication and coordinate rescue efforts.
The cause of the cloudburst is yet to be determined, but experts believe that it may have been triggered by heavy rainfall and cloud formation in the region. The region has been experiencing heavy rainfall in recent days, which has led to a buildup of water in the mountains.
The flash flood has also damaged several bridges and roads in the region, making it difficult for rescue teams to reach the affected areas. The Indian Army has deployed its engineering units to repair the damaged infrastructure and restore connectivity.
The government has announced an ex-gratia relief of ₹2 lakh to the families of those who have lost their lives in the tragedy. The government has also ordered an inquiry into the cloudburst and the resulting flash flood to determine the cause and prevent such tragedies in the future.
The cloudburst has sent shockwaves across the country, with people from all walks of life expressing their condolences to the families of the affected. The people of Jammu and Kashmir are known for their resilience and bravery in the face of adversity, and the region is expected to bounce back from this tragedy.
