At Least 60 Killed, Several Trapped After Cloudburst in J&K
A devastating cloudburst struck Chashoti village in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district on Thursday afternoon, leaving a trail of destruction and loss of life. According to reports, at least 60 people have lost their lives, and over 100 are injured in the disaster. The situation is critical, with several hundred people still trapped under the debris.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah confirmed the tragic news, stating that over 500 people are feared trapped under the rubble. The cloudburst, which was described as “unprecedented” by local residents, struck the village without warning, catching people off guard.
The village of Chashoti is a remote and mountainous area, making it challenging for rescue teams to reach the affected areas. However, a large-scale rescue operation is underway, with teams from the Indian Army, Border Security Force (BSF), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) working tirelessly to evacuate those trapped and provide aid to the injured.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as “chaotic” and “apocalyptic”, with homes and buildings reduced to rubble. The cloudburst, which was reportedly triggered by a sudden change in weather, brought with it heavy rainfall and strong winds that swept through the village, causing widespread destruction.
“It was like nothing I have ever seen before. The rain was so heavy that it was difficult to see anything. The wind was so strong that it was hard to stand. I was lucky to have escaped with my life,” said a local resident, who wished to remain anonymous.
The cloudburst has also left many without access to basic necessities like food, water, and shelter. Relief teams are working around the clock to distribute aid to those affected, but the task is proving to be a daunting one.
The Chief Minister has assured that all possible efforts are being made to rescue those trapped and provide assistance to the affected families. “We are doing everything possible to rescue those trapped and provide assistance to the affected families. Our teams are working tirelessly to reach out to those in need,” he said.
The death toll is expected to rise as rescue teams continue to search for survivors and bodies in the rubble. The Jammu and Kashmir government has announced an ex-gratia compensation of Rs. 50,000 for the families of those who have lost their lives in the cloudburst.
The people of Chashoti village are struggling to come to terms with the devastating loss of life and property. The village is known for its stunning natural beauty, with lush green forests and towering mountains. But on Thursday, the village was reduced to rubble, leaving many without homes or livelihoods.
As the rescue operation continues, the people of Jammu and Kashmir are mourning the loss of life and praying for the safety of those still trapped. The cloudburst has brought home the reality of the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters and the need for better preparedness and emergency response measures.
