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 lost their lives, while over 100 others have been injured in the disaster.
The Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, has confirmed the fatalities and injuries, stating that the situation is “grim” and “chaotic”. The cloudburst, which occurred on Thursday afternoon, caught the residents of Chashoti village off guard, causing widespread damage to properties and infrastructure.
The worst-affected area is the Doda district, where the cloudburst has left a large number of people trapped under the debris of collapsed buildings and houses. According to reports, over 500 people are still trapped under the debris, with rescue teams struggling to reach them due to the treacherous terrain and inclement weather conditions.
The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Chief, Farooq Abdullah, has appealed for international help to rescue those trapped under the debris. “I believe more than 500 people are still trapped under the debris in Kishtwar,” he said, adding that the situation is “critical” and “requires immediate attention”.
The cloudburst has also caused extensive damage to infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and power lines. The district administration has set up relief camps to provide shelter and food to those affected by the disaster, but the situation remains dire.
The rescue operation is ongoing, with teams from the Indian Army, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) working tirelessly to reach the trapped people. The Indian Air Force has also been called in to assist with the rescue efforts, with helicopters being used to evacuate those injured and trapped.
The cause of the cloudburst is still unknown, but experts believe that it may have been triggered by a combination of factors, including heavy rainfall and landslides. The region has been experiencing heavy rainfall in recent days, which has led to flash flooding and landslides in several areas.
The cloudburst has also disrupted communication networks, with mobile phone and internet services being affected in several areas. The district administration has set up emergency helplines to provide assistance to those affected by the disaster.
As the rescue operation continues, the people of Jammu and Kashmir are bracing themselves for the worst. The region is no stranger to natural disasters, with frequent earthquakes, landslides, and floods causing damage and loss of life.
The cloudburst has also raised concerns about the preparedness of the district administration to deal with such disasters. The region is prone to natural disasters, and it is essential that the administration is equipped to respond quickly and effectively to such situations.
As the people of Chashoti village and surrounding areas struggle to come to terms with the devastation caused by the cloudburst, the thoughts of the nation are with them. The government has promised to provide all necessary assistance to those affected by the disaster, and rescue teams are working around the clock to evacuate those trapped and provide medical assistance to the injured.
The incident is a grim reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness and the need for the government to take concrete steps to mitigate the impact of such disasters. As the rescue operation continues, the people of Jammu and Kashmir are hoping for a speedy recovery and a return to normalcy.
