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 death in its wake. According to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, at least 60 people have lost their lives in the disaster, while over 100 others have been injured.
The cloudburst, which occurred around 2:30 pm on Thursday, caught the villagers off guard, leaving them with little time to escape the fury of the storm. The sudden and intense rain caused flash floods and landslides, sweeping away homes, buildings, and everything in its path.
As the news of the disaster spread, a large-scale rescue operation was launched to extricate those trapped under the debris. Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Chief Farooq Abdullah stated that he believes more than 500 people are still trapped under the debris, adding to the scale of the tragedy.
The cloudburst was reportedly triggered by a sudden change in weather patterns, which brought heavy rain and hail to the region. The villagers, who were taken by surprise by the sudden storm, were unable to escape the fury of the disaster.
Rescue teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local emergency services, have been working tirelessly to reach those trapped under the debris. However, the challenging terrain and lack of infrastructure in the area have made the rescue operation a daunting task.
The authorities have also deployed helicopters to aid in the rescue efforts, with teams conducting aerial surveys to locate those trapped. The Indian Air Force has also been involved in the rescue operation, with its helicopters ferrying personnel and equipment to the affected areas.
The incident has sent shockwaves across the region, with people from all walks of life coming forward to offer their support to the affected families. The local administration has set up relief camps to provide shelter, food, and medical assistance to those displaced by the disaster.
The cloudburst has also caused significant damage to infrastructure in the area, with several roads and bridges being washed away. The authorities have warned of the risk of further landslides and flash floods, and have advised people to stay away from the affected areas.
As the rescue operation continues, the people of Jammu and Kashmir are bracing themselves for the worst. The incident is a grim reminder of the devastating impact that natural disasters can have on communities, and the importance of being prepared for such events.
In the aftermath of the disaster, the authorities have promised to provide all necessary assistance to the affected families. The Chief Minister has assured that every effort will be made to locate and rescue those still trapped under the debris, and to provide compensation to those who have lost their loved ones or property.
The incident is a tragedy that will be felt across the region, and it is a stark reminder of the importance of being prepared for natural disasters. As the people of Jammu and Kashmir come to terms with the devastation caused by the cloudburst, they will also be thinking of the many lives that have been lost, and the families that have been torn apart by this devastating disaster.
