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 devastation in its wake. The disaster has claimed at least 60 lives, with over 100 people injured, according to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. The situation is grim, with many more feared trapped under the debris, as rescue operations are underway to evacuate those stranded.
The cloudburst, which occurred around 2 pm, brought with it a torrent of rain and flash floods that swept through the village, causing widespread damage to homes, buildings, and infrastructure. The sudden and unexpected disaster has left the residents of Chashoti village reeling, with many still struggling to come to terms with the sheer scale of the devastation.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has confirmed that at least 60 people have lost their lives in the tragedy, with over 100 injured. However, the toll is expected to rise as rescue workers continue to search for those trapped under the rubble. Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Chief Farooq Abdullah has stated that more than 500 people are still feared trapped under the debris, highlighting the urgency of the rescue operation.
The cloudburst was reportedly triggered by a sudden and intense change in the weather, with the skies clearing rapidly after the storm had passed. The rapid onset of the disaster meant that many residents were caught off guard, with little chance to escape the fury of the flash floods.
Rescue operations are underway, with teams of emergency responders, soldiers, and volunteers working tirelessly to evacuate those stranded and provide aid to those in need. The Indian Army, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and the state’s disaster management department are all involved in the rescue effort, with teams deployed to the affected area.
The rescue operation is being hampered by challenging terrain and the sheer scale of the disaster, with many areas still inaccessible due to the damage caused by the cloudburst. However, the rescue teams are working relentlessly to reach those in need, with medical teams providing emergency care to the injured and distributing food, water, and other essential supplies to those affected.
The cloudburst has also caused significant damage to infrastructure, with many homes, buildings, and roads destroyed or damaged beyond repair. The district administration has set up relief camps for those affected, with food, shelter, and medical care being provided to those in need.
The incident has sent shockwaves across the country, with politicians and citizens alike expressing their condolences to the families of those affected. The government has pledged to provide all necessary support to those affected, with a team of ministers and officials visiting the affected area to assess the situation and provide aid.
As the rescue operation continues, the nation holds its breath, waiting for news of those still trapped under the debris. The tragedy is a stark reminder of the power of nature and the importance of being prepared for such disasters. It is also a testament to the bravery and resilience of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, who are working tirelessly to rebuild their lives and communities in the face of adversity.
