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 claiming the lives of at least 60 people. According to reports, over 100 people were injured in the disaster, and several others are feared trapped under the debris.
The cloudburst, which occurred at around 2 pm local time, caught residents of the village off guard, leaving them with little time to escape the fury of the torrential rains. The sudden and intense downpour caused widespread damage to homes and buildings, with many structures collapsing under the weight of the water.
The Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, confirmed the death toll, stating that at least 60 people had lost their lives in the disaster. He also expressed concern for the safety of many others who are still trapped under the debris, saying, “I believe more than 500 people are still trapped under the debris in Kishtwar.”
The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Chief, Farooq Abdullah, echoed the Chief Minister’s concerns, stating that the situation is dire and that a large-scale rescue operation is underway to reach those who are still trapped.
The cloudburst was triggered by a sudden change in the weather pattern, which brought heavy rains to the region. The rains were so intense that they caused flash floods in several areas, inundating homes and businesses and leaving residents stranded.
Rescue teams from the Indian Army, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and the local administration have been deployed to the affected areas to carry out relief and rescue operations. The teams are working tirelessly to reach those trapped under the debris and provide medical assistance to the injured.
The local administration has also set up relief camps in the affected areas, where people are being provided with food, shelter, and medical care. The government has also announced a compensation package for the families of the victims, as well as for those who have lost their homes and property in the disaster.
The cloudburst has also displaced many people, who are now living in temporary shelters. The local administration is working to provide them with food, shelter, and other essential amenities.
The incident has sent shockwaves across the region, with people coming together to provide support to those affected by the disaster. Many organizations and individuals have donated money, food, and other essential items to those in need.
The government has also sought assistance from neighboring states and the central government to carry out the relief and rescue operations.
As the rescue efforts continue, the people of Jammu and Kashmir are coming to terms with the magnitude of the disaster. The cloudburst has left a deep scar on the region, and it will take time for the affected communities to rebuild and recover.
