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 Chief Minister Omar Abdullah revealing that over 500 people are feared trapped under the debris.
The cloudburst, which occurred around 3:30 pm on Thursday, caught residents of the village off guard, leaving them with little time to react. The sudden and intense rain caused widespread damage to homes, buildings, and infrastructure, leaving many people stranded and trapped.
The rescue operation, which was launched immediately after the disaster, is still underway. Teams of rescue workers, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), are working tirelessly to reach those trapped under the debris.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed his deep condolences to the families of the victims and assured that the government is doing everything in its power to save as many lives as possible. “I believe more than 500 people are still trapped under the debris in Kishtwar,” he said. “We are working tirelessly to rescue them and provide medical assistance to those who have been injured.”
Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Chief Farooq Abdullah also expressed his shock and sadness at the scale of the disaster. “I am devastated to hear about the loss of life and damage caused by the cloudburst in Kishtwar,” he said. “I urge the people of Kishtwar to remain calm and cooperate with the rescue teams.”
The cloudburst has caused widespread destruction in the region, with many homes and buildings reduced to rubble. The villagers are in a state of shock, struggling to come to terms with the scale of the disaster. The affected families are in dire need of food, shelter, and medical assistance, and the government is working to provide them with the necessary support.
The rescue operation is being hampered by the remote location of the village and the lack of infrastructure in the region. The roads leading to the village are narrow and treacherous, making it difficult for rescue teams to reach the affected areas. The weather is also proving to be a challenge, with heavy rain and strong winds making it difficult to operate rescue equipment.
Despite the challenges, the rescue teams are working around the clock to reach those trapped under the debris. They are using heavy machinery and specialized equipment to clear the rubble and reach those who are still alive. Medical teams are also on the ground, providing medical assistance to those who have been injured.
The government has announced an inquiry into the disaster, to determine the cause of the cloudburst and identify areas where measures can be taken to prevent such disasters in the future. The inquiry will also examine the response of the government and emergency services to the disaster, to identify areas where improvements can be made.
As the rescue operation continues, the people of Jammu and Kashmir are coming together to support those affected by the disaster. Donations are pouring in from across the region, and many people are volunteering their time and resources to help with the rescue effort.
In the face of such tragedy, it is heartening to see the resilience and kindness of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. As the region continues to grapple with the aftermath of the cloudburst, it is clear that the people will come together to support each other and rebuild their communities.
