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 chaos in its wake. According to reports, at least 60 people have lost their lives, and over 100 others have been injured in the disaster. The extent of the damage is still being assessed, but the situation is dire, with several hundred people feared trapped under the debris.
The cloudburst, which occurred around 2 pm on Thursday, caught the villagers off guard, leaving them with little or no time to escape. The sudden and intense rain caused widespread destruction, with many homes and buildings crumbling under the weight of the water. The villagers were forced to take shelter in nearby areas, but many were washed away by the rapidly rising waters.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has confirmed the fatalities, stating that at least 60 people have died in the disaster. He also expressed concern about the number of people still trapped under the debris, saying that more than 500 people are feared to be stuck. Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Chief Farooq Abdullah echoed these sentiments, stating that a large-scale rescue operation is underway to reach those trapped.
The exact cause of the cloudburst is still unknown, but officials believe it may have been triggered by a combination of factors, including heavy rainfall and a landslide. The region has been experiencing heavy rainfall in recent days, which has led to a rise in the water levels of nearby rivers and streams. The cloudburst may have been triggered by a sudden release of water from these sources, causing widespread destruction.
The rescue operation is being led by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), along with local authorities and police personnel. Teams of rescue workers are working tirelessly to reach those trapped under the debris, but the situation is challenging due to the remote location of the affected area.
The Indian Army and the Air Force have also been deployed to assist in the rescue efforts. The Army has set up a relief camp in the area, where people who have been rescued are being provided with food, shelter, and medical care. The Air Force has also dispatched helicopters to the area, which are being used to transport rescue teams and supplies to the affected areas.
The Government has announced an ex-gratia compensation of Rs 2 lakh to the families of those who have lost their lives in the disaster. The injured are being provided with medical care at local hospitals, and the Government has also set up a relief camp to provide food, shelter, and other essential supplies to those affected.
The cloudburst has also caused significant damage to infrastructure in the area, including roads, bridges, and buildings. The Government has announced an immediate assessment of the damage, and a plan is being put in place to restore normalcy to the affected areas.
The people of Jammu and Kashmir have shown remarkable resilience in the face of this disaster, and the rescue efforts are being led by local volunteers and community leaders. The Government is working closely with the Army, the NDRF, and other agencies to ensure that those affected receive the assistance they need.
As the rescue operation continues, the people of Jammu and Kashmir are coming together to support those affected by the disaster. The region has a long history of natural disasters, and the people are well-practiced in responding to such emergencies. But even in the face of tragedy, the people of Jammu and Kashmir have shown that they are capable of coming together to support each other in times of need.
