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 the latest reports, at least 60 people have been killed, and over 100 injured in the disaster. The situation is dire, with several hundred people still feared trapped under the debris.
The cloudburst occurred at around 3 pm on Thursday, catching the residents of Chashoti village off guard. The sudden and intense rainfall caused widespread destruction, with the village’s buildings, roads, and bridges being severely damaged. The incident has sent shockwaves across the region, with the government launching a massive rescue operation to evacuate those trapped and provide aid to the affected.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah confirmed the death toll, stating that at least 60 people have lost their lives in the disaster. “I believe more than 500 people are still trapped under the debris in Kishtwar,” said Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Chief Farooq Abdullah, who is also the father of the Chief Minister.
The cloudburst has left the village of Chashoti in a state of utter devastation. Many buildings have been reduced to rubble, and the few that remain standing are in a precarious condition. The rainwater has also caused landslides, blocking roads and making it difficult to reach the affected areas.
The rescue operation is being carried out by the state government, with the help of the Indian Army, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and other emergency services. The teams are working tirelessly to evacuate those trapped under the debris and provide medical aid to the injured.
“We are doing everything possible to rescue those trapped and provide relief to the affected,” said an official from the Jammu and Kashmir government. “Our priority is to save as many lives as possible and provide medical aid to those injured.”
The cloudburst has also caused significant damage to the region’s infrastructure, with several roads and bridges being destroyed or damaged. The incident has also disrupted communication services, making it difficult to contact the affected areas.
The government has announced an ex-gratia relief of Rs. 5 lakh to the families of those who have lost their lives in the disaster. The affected families will also receive financial assistance to help them rebuild their homes and lives.
The incident is a stark reminder of the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters. Jammu and Kashmir is prone to cloudbursts, landslides, and other natural disasters, which can cause significant damage and loss of life.
As the rescue operation continues, the people of Jammu and Kashmir are coming together to support the affected families. The state government has also appealed for donations and aid to help those affected by the disaster.
As the situation continues to unfold, it is clear that the people of Jammu and Kashmir will need all the support they can get to rebuild their lives and their communities.
