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 loss of life in its wake. According to reports, at least 60 people have died and over 100 have been injured in the disaster. The situation is still grim, with several people feared trapped under the debris.
The cloudburst, which occurred around 2 pm on Thursday, caught the villagers off guard, causing widespread destruction and chaos. The rain was so intense that it caused a massive landslide, blocking the flow of the Rinnay nallah, a tributary of the Chenab River. The villagers were caught in the deluge, with many getting swept away by the flash floods.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has confirmed the loss of life and injury, and has appealed to the people to remain calm. “I believe more than 500 people are still trapped under the debris in Kishtwar,” he said in a statement. The Chief Minister has also announced an ex-gratia relief of Rs 5 lakh to the families of those who have lost their lives in the disaster.
Rescue operations are underway in full swing, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Indian Army, and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) working together to evacuate those trapped under the debris. The teams are facing a tough task, with the terrain being rugged and the debris being heavy.
The cloudburst has also caused extensive damage to the infrastructure in the area. Several houses have been destroyed, and the roads have been washed away in some places. The villagers are struggling to access basic amenities like food, water, and shelter.
The people of Kishtwar are in a state of shock and grief, with many still trying to come to terms with the scale of the disaster. The cloudburst has also disrupted the normal life of the people in the area, with many schools and colleges remaining closed.
The Jammu and Kashmir government has announced a magisterial inquiry into the cloudburst, to determine the cause and identify the areas where warnings could have been issued to prevent the loss of life and property. The government has also announced financial assistance to the affected families, and has asked people to come forward and donate to the relief efforts.
The people of Jammu and Kashmir are known for their resilience and courage in the face of adversity. The cloudburst in Kishtwar is a stark reminder of the fury of nature, and the need for us to be prepared for such disasters. The government and the people of Jammu and Kashmir are working together to rescue those trapped and provide relief to the affected families.
As the rescue operations continue, the people of Kishtwar are hoping for a miracle, praying that their loved ones will be found alive and safe. The nation is also coming together to support the people of Jammu and Kashmir in this hour of need.
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