At least 60 killed, several trapped after cloudburst in J&K
A devastating cloudburst in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district has left a trail of destruction, claiming the lives of at least 60 people and injuring over 100 others. The disaster struck Chashoti village on Thursday afternoon, causing widespread damage and chaos. As the rescue operation is underway, fears are growing for the safety of over 500 people who are believed to be trapped under the debris.
The cloudburst, which is a sudden and intense storm, brought heavy rainfall and flash floods to the area, causing widespread damage to homes, buildings, and infrastructure. The sudden and unexpected weather event caught residents off guard, leaving them with little time to evacuate or take shelter.
The death toll is expected to rise as rescue teams continue to search for survivors and retrieve bodies from the rubble. The Indian government has deployed teams of rescuers, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), to assist in the relief efforts. The teams are working tirelessly to reach those trapped under the debris and provide medical attention to the injured.
The Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, confirmed the devastating news, stating that over 500 people are still trapped under the debris. He also expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and praised the bravery of the rescue teams working in challenging conditions.
The cloudburst has also left many without access to basic necessities such as food, water, and shelter. The government has set up relief camps to provide aid to those affected, but more assistance is needed to support the survivors.
The incident has sparked widespread concern and outrage across the country, with many calling for immediate action to be taken to prevent such disasters in the future. The government has announced an investigation into the cloudburst and the response to it, to identify the causes and recommend measures to mitigate the impact of such events.
The cloudburst in Kishtwar is the latest in a series of natural disasters to hit India in recent months. In June, a massive flood in Kerala killed over 400 people and displaced thousands, while in July, a heatwave in Maharashtra claimed the lives of over 180 people.
The frequency and severity of natural disasters are increasing globally, and it is essential that governments and communities take proactive steps to prepare for and respond to such events. This includes investing in early warning systems, improving infrastructure, and providing support to those affected.
In the meantime, the people of Jammu and Kashmir are coming together to support those affected by the cloudburst. Donations of food, water, and clothing are pouring in, and many are offering their time and services to help with the rescue and relief efforts.
As the search for survivors continues, the people of Jammu and Kashmir are holding on to hope that more lives will be saved and that those who have lost loved ones will receive the support they need to recover from this devastating tragedy.
