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 Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, at least 60 people have died and over 100 have been injured in the disaster. The situation is still grim, with Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Chief Farooq Abdullah stating that more than 500 people are feared trapped under the debris.
The cloudburst occurred around 2:30 pm on Thursday, catching residents of Chashoti village off guard. The sudden and intense rain caused widespread destruction, with homes and buildings being swept away by flash floods. The villagers, who were caught in the middle of the disaster, were left with nowhere to turn.
Rescue efforts are underway, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Indian Army, and local authorities working tirelessly to reach those trapped and injured. The rescue operation is being hampered by the treacherous terrain and the lack of access to some areas.
The death toll is expected to rise as more bodies are recovered from the debris. The injured are being treated at local hospitals, with many in critical condition. The condition of several people is reported to be serious, and medical teams are working around the clock to provide them with the necessary treatment.
The cloudburst has also left hundreds of people homeless, with their homes destroyed or damaged beyond repair. The villagers are struggling to come to terms with the loss of their belongings and their loved ones.
The district administration has set up relief camps to provide shelter and food to the affected families. The government has also promised to provide financial assistance to the victims and to rebuild the damaged infrastructure.
The cloudburst has also caused widespread damage to the infrastructure in the region. Roads have been washed away, and several bridges have been damaged or destroyed. The power supply has been disrupted, and many areas are without electricity.
The cause of the cloudburst is still unknown, but the meteorological department has said that it was triggered by a combination of factors, including a low-pressure system and the presence of moisture in the atmosphere.
The people of Jammu and Kashmir are no strangers to natural disasters, with the region prone to earthquakes, landslides, and floods. However, the scale of the devastation caused by this cloudburst is unprecedented, and the people are still trying to come to terms with the loss and destruction.
As the rescue efforts continue, the people of Jammu and Kashmir are bracing themselves for the worst. The government has promised to do everything in its power to help those affected, but the road to recovery will be long and difficult.
