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 death and destruction in its wake. According to reports, at least 60 people have lost their lives, with over 100 others injured in the disaster.
The cloudburst, which occurred around 2 pm, caused widespread damage to homes and infrastructure in the area, with many buildings reduced to rubble. The impact of the disaster was exacerbated by the fact that the village is located in a valley, which allowed the water to pool and cause even more damage.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah confirmed the death toll, stating that it is likely to rise further as rescue efforts continue. “I believe more than 500 people are still trapped under the debris in Kishtwar,” he said, highlighting the scale of the crisis.
Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Chief Farooq Abdullah also expressed his condolences to the families of those affected, adding that a large-scale rescue operation is underway to reach those trapped under the debris.
The rescue efforts are being led by the Indian Army, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). Teams of rescue workers are working around the clock to reach those trapped, with the help of sniffer dogs, excavation machines, and other specialized equipment.
The cloudburst was triggered by heavy rainfall in the region, which has been experiencing abnormal weather patterns in recent days. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning for heavy rainfall in the region, urging residents to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
The government has also announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh to the families of those who have lost their lives in the disaster. Additionally, Rs 50,000 will be given to those who have been injured, and Rs 20,000 to those who have lost their homes.
The cloudburst has also affected the power supply in the region, with several areas remaining without electricity. The government has set up relief camps to provide shelter and food to those who have been displaced by the disaster.
The incident has sent shockwaves across the country, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing his condolences to the families of those affected. “My thoughts are with the families of those who have lost their lives in the cloudburst in Kishtwar, J&K. I have spoken to the Chief Minister and asked for an update on the situation,” he tweeted.
The incident is a stark reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness and the need for effective emergency response systems. It also highlights the vulnerability of rural areas, which are often the most affected by natural disasters.
As the rescue efforts continue, the people of Jammu and Kashmir are coming together to support those affected by the disaster. Donations are pouring in from across the country, with many organizations and individuals offering their assistance to the relief efforts.
In the midst of the tragedy, there are also stories of heroism and resilience. Reports are emerging of locals who risked their lives to rescue those trapped under the debris, and of families who have come together to support each other in the face of adversity.
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the people of Jammu and Kashmir are strong and resilient, and they will emerge from this tragedy even stronger.
