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. The tragedy is still unfolding, with over 100 injured and more than 500 people feared trapped under the debris.
The news of the cloudburst sent shockwaves across the country, with people expressing their deepest condolences to the families of the victims. The situation is grim, with rescuers racing against time to reach those trapped under the rubble.
According to reports, the cloudburst occurred at around 3 pm on Thursday, catching residents of Chashoti village off guard. The sudden and intense rainfall caused widespread damage, including landslides and flash floods, which swept away homes, bridges, and roads.
Chief Minister 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 those still trapped, stating that the rescue operation is ongoing to reach those in need.
Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Chief Farooq Abdullah, who is the father of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, also spoke about the severity of the situation. He stated that over 500 people are feared trapped under the debris, adding that the rescue operation is a challenging task due to the remote location of the affected area.
The rescue effort is being led by the Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). Emergency services, including ambulances and rescue teams, have been deployed to the affected area, with medical teams providing aid to the injured.
The cloudburst has caused widespread destruction, with entire villages reduced to rubble. The affected areas are largely remote, making it challenging for rescuers to reach those in need. The Indian Air Force has also been pressed into service, with helicopters being used to transport rescue teams and supplies to the affected areas.
The cloudburst has also disrupted communication services in the area, with mobile phone networks and internet services affected. The state government has set up relief camps for those affected, with food, shelter, and medical aid being provided to those in need.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the fury of nature and the importance of disaster preparedness. The tragedy has also highlighted the need for better infrastructure and emergency services in the region.
As the rescue operation continues, people across the country are coming forward to offer support to those affected. The government has also announced an ex-gratia relief of Rs 2 lakh to the families of those who lost their lives in the disaster.
As the situation unfolds, the nation remains hopeful that the rescue operation will be successful, and those trapped will be rescued safely. The incident serves as a tragic reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness and the need for better infrastructure and emergency services in the region.
