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. The disaster has claimed at least 60 lives and injured over 100 people, with many more feared trapped under the debris.
According to reports, the cloudburst occurred around 2 pm on Thursday, catching the residents of Chashoti village off guard. The sudden and intense rain caused widespread damage to homes, buildings, and infrastructure, leaving many people stranded and without access to basic necessities like food, water, and shelter.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has confirmed the death toll, stating that at least 60 people have lost their lives in the disaster. In a statement, he expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and assured that the government is working tirelessly to rescue those trapped under the debris.
Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Chief Farooq Abdullah, who is also the father of the Chief Minister, stated that he believes more than 500 people are still trapped under the debris in Kishtwar. The situation is grim, with many areas still cut off from the rest of the world due to the damage caused by the cloudburst.
A large-scale rescue operation is currently underway to search for survivors and retrieve bodies from the rubble. Emergency services, including the army, police, and paramilitary forces, are working together to respond to the disaster. Rescue teams are using heavy machinery and digging equipment to clear the debris and reach trapped people.
The cloudburst has also caused significant damage to infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and buildings. Many homes and shops have been destroyed, leaving hundreds of people without a place to stay or a means to earn a living.
The Jammu and Kashmir government has announced an emergency relief package to assist those affected by the disaster. The package includes financial assistance, food, and shelter for those who have been displaced.
The cloudburst has also highlighted the need for effective disaster preparedness and management in the region. The Jammu and Kashmir government has been criticized in the past for its lack of preparedness and response to natural disasters. This disaster serves as a stark reminder of the importance of having effective emergency response plans in place.
The people of Kishtwar district are still reeling from the shock of the disaster, with many struggling to come to terms with the loss of life and property. The region is known for its natural beauty, with the Doda district being a popular tourist destination. However, the cloudburst has brought the region to a standstill, with many businesses and tourist attractions closed indefinitely.
In the aftermath of the disaster, the government and relief agencies are working to provide aid and assistance to those affected. The people of Jammu and Kashmir are known for their resilience and ability to bounce back from adversity, and it is hoped that they will be able to rebuild and recover from this devastating disaster.
