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 tragedy in its wake. At least 60 people have lost their lives, and over 100 others are injured, according to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. The worst part of the disaster is yet to come, with around 500 people feared trapped under the debris.
The cloudburst, which occurred around 3 pm on Thursday, caused widespread damage to homes and infrastructure in the region. The village of Chashoti, which is located in a remote and mountainous area, was hit particularly hard, with many homes and buildings destroyed or severely damaged.
Rescue efforts are currently underway, with teams from the Jammu and Kashmir government, the Indian army, and other emergency services working to locate and extract those trapped under the rubble. However, the task is proving to be a daunting one, with the terrain making it difficult to access many areas of the village.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has described the situation as “catastrophic,” and has appealed for calm and restraint from the public. “I believe more than 500 people are still trapped under the debris in Kishtwar,” he said in a statement. “We are doing everything possible to rescue those trapped and provide relief to the affected families.”
The cause of the cloudburst is still unclear, but experts believe that it may have been triggered by a combination of heavy rainfall and landslides in the region. The region is prone to natural disasters, including landslides and floods, due to its mountainous terrain and heavy rainfall during the monsoon season.
The impact of the cloudburst is being felt across the region, with many families left without homes or access to basic necessities. The Jammu and Kashmir government has promised to provide relief and support to those affected, including food, shelter, and medical care.
The tragedy has also raised concerns about the preparedness of the region to deal with natural disasters. While the government has taken steps to improve infrastructure and emergency response systems, many experts believe that more needs to be done to protect the region’s population from the risks posed by climate change and natural disasters.
In the meantime, the focus is on rescuing those trapped and providing relief to those affected. The Indian army has deployed helicopters and rescue teams to the region, and emergency services are working around the clock to provide aid and support.
As the rescue efforts continue, the people of Jammu and Kashmir are coming together to support those affected by the disaster. Donations and supplies are being collected, and many individuals and organizations are offering aid and assistance to those in need.
The cloudburst in Chashoti village is a tragic reminder of the power of nature and the importance of being prepared for natural disasters. While the road to recovery will be long and difficult, the people of Jammu and Kashmir are united in their determination to rebuild and move forward.
