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 tragedy in its wake. At least 60 people have lost their lives, and over 100 others have been injured in the disaster. The situation is grim, with several hundred people feared trapped under the debris.
The cloudburst occurred at around 2 pm on Thursday, catching the villagers off guard. The sudden and intense rain caused massive landslides and flash floods, which swept away homes and buildings, leaving many people trapped. The rescue operation is currently underway, with teams from the state government, the army, and other agencies working to locate and rescue those who are still trapped.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has confirmed the death toll, stating that at least 60 people have lost their lives in the disaster. He also expressed concern for the safety of hundreds of people who are still trapped under the debris. “I believe more than 500 people are still trapped under the debris in Kishtwar,” he said.
Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Chief Farooq Abdullah has also spoken about the disaster, urging the authorities to expedite the rescue operation. “The situation is very critical, and we need to act quickly to rescue those who are trapped,” he said.
The cloudburst has also caused extensive damage to infrastructure and property in the area. Many homes and buildings have been destroyed, leaving hundreds of people homeless. The rains have also caused widespread power outages, making it difficult for rescue teams to operate in the area.
The Indian Army has been deployed in the area to assist with the rescue operation. The army is working alongside the state government and other agencies to locate and rescue those who are trapped. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are also on the ground, helping with the rescue efforts.
The government has set up relief camps in the area to provide shelter and food to those who have been affected by the disaster. The camps are also providing medical assistance to those who were injured in the cloudburst.
The cloudburst is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities of the region to natural disasters. Jammu and Kashmir is prone to landslides and flash floods, particularly during the monsoon season. The region’s unique geography, with steep hills and valleys, makes it vulnerable to these types of disasters.
The government has promised to provide all necessary assistance to those affected by the disaster. The Chief Minister has also ordered an inquiry into the incident, to determine the cause of the cloudburst and to identify areas where the response efforts could be improved.
As the rescue operation continues, the people of Jammu and Kashmir are rallying around those affected by the disaster. Many have donated money, food, and other essentials to the relief efforts. The disaster has also brought the community together, with people from all over the region coming forward to offer support and assistance.
In conclusion, the cloudburst in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district is a tragic reminder of the power of nature. The disaster has caused widespread destruction and loss of life, but it has also brought out the best in the people of the region. As the rescue operation continues, the government and the community are working together to support those affected by the disaster and to rebuild the affected areas.
