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. At least 60 people have lost their lives in the disaster, with over 100 others injured, according to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. The situation is grim, with fears that over 500 people may still be trapped under the debris.
The cloudburst occurred at around 2 pm on Thursday, catching the residents of Chashoti village off guard. The sudden and intense rain caused widespread damage to homes, schools, and other buildings in the area, trapping many people under the rubble. The incident has left the entire region in shock, with rescue efforts underway to reach those stranded.
According to reports, the cloudburst was followed by a massive landslide, which blocked several roads and made it difficult for rescue teams to reach the affected areas. The Indian Air Force and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed to assist in the rescue operations, which are being led by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims and assured them that the government is doing everything possible to rescue those trapped under the debris. “I believe more than 500 people are still trapped under the debris in Kishtwar,” he said in a statement. “We are working to reach them as soon as possible and provide them with the necessary aid.”
Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Chief Farooq Abdullah also visited the affected areas and expressed his shock and grief at the scale of the devastation. “The situation is very grim,” he said. “We are doing everything possible to rescue those trapped and provide relief to the affected families.”
The cloudburst has also caused significant damage to infrastructure in the area, with several roads and bridges washed away or damaged. The district administration has set up relief camps in the affected areas, where food, shelter, and medical aid are being provided to those who have been displaced.
The people of Chashoti village are still reeling from the shock of the disaster, with many families losing their loved ones and their homes. The incident has also raised concerns about the preparedness of the authorities to deal with such disasters, and the need for better infrastructure and emergency response systems in the region.
As the rescue operations continue, the people of Jammu and Kashmir are coming together to provide support to the affected families. Donations and aid are pouring in from across the country, with many organizations and individuals offering their help to the victims of the cloudburst.
In the face of such tragedy, it is heartening to see the resilience and bravery of the people of Chashoti village. Despite the devastation and chaos, they are coming together to support each other and rebuild their lives. As the government and relief agencies work to provide aid and assistance, the community is showing that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope and a desire to survive and thrive.
