At Least 60 Killed, Several Trapped After Cloudburst in J&K
A devastating cloudburst struck the Chashoti village in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district on Thursday afternoon, claiming the lives of at least 60 people and injuring over 100 others. The disaster has left the region in shock, with many still trapped under the debris.
According to reports, the cloudburst occurred around 2 pm on Thursday, causing widespread destruction and chaos in the affected areas. The village, which is located in the remote Kishtwar district, was caught off guard by the sudden and intense rain, leaving many residents with no time to escape the fury of the storm.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has confirmed the death toll, stating that at least 60 people have lost their lives in the disaster. He also expressed concern for the safety of those still trapped under the debris, stating that over 500 people are feared to be stuck.
“I believe more than 500 people are still trapped under the debris in Kishtwar,” Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Chief Farooq Abdullah stated.
The scale of the disaster is immense, with entire houses and buildings reduced to rubble. The impact of the cloudburst has been exacerbated by the poor infrastructure and remote location of the affected areas, making it challenging for rescue teams to reach the affected regions.
A large-scale rescue operation is underway, with teams from various government departments, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and the local administration, working tirelessly to evacuate those trapped under the debris.
The rescue efforts are being hindered by the challenging terrain and inclement weather conditions, which are making it difficult for teams to reach the affected areas. The lack of access to basic amenities, including electricity and communication, is also exacerbating the situation.
The authorities have deployed teams with sniffer dogs, searchlights, and excavators to search for survivors and retrieve bodies from under the debris. The rescue operation is being coordinated by the district administration and the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA).
The government has also announced a compensation package for the affected families, with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah assuring that the state government will provide all necessary assistance to those affected by the disaster.
The cloudburst has also left many families without homes, with entire villages being affected by the disaster. The authorities are working to provide temporary shelter and relief materials to those affected, including food, water, and medical aid.
The incident has sent shockwaves across the region, with people coming together to offer support to the affected families. The local community has also pitched in to help with the rescue efforts, with many volunteers joining the teams to assist in the search and rescue operations.
The cloudburst in Kishtwar is a stark reminder of the fury of nature and the importance of disaster preparedness. It also highlights the need for improved infrastructure and emergency response systems in the region, to ensure that such disasters are mitigated and the impact on the affected communities is minimized.
As the rescue operation continues, the people of Jammu and Kashmir are coming together to support the affected families and rebuild their lives. The region is also urging the government to take steps to improve disaster preparedness and response mechanisms, to ensure that such tragedies are avoided in the future.
