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. According to reports, at least 60 people have lost their lives, with over 100 injured in the disaster. The situation is still grim, with several hundred people feared trapped under the debris.
The news was confirmed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who expressed his condolences to the families of the victims. “At least 60 people have lost their lives in the cloudburst, and over 100 are injured,” he said. The Chief Minister also stated that a massive rescue operation is underway to evacuate those trapped under the rubble.
The cloudburst occurred in the afternoon when heavy rainfall caused the nearby river to swell, leading to flash flooding in the village. The sudden and intense rainfall caught the residents off guard, leaving them with little time to react. The villagers who survived the disaster are now struggling to come to terms with the loss of life and property.
The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Chief, Farooq Abdullah, was quoted as saying, “I believe more than 500 people are still trapped under the debris in Kishtwar.” His statement highlights the severity of the situation and the challenges facing the rescue teams.
The rescue operation is being carried out by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and the local administration. The teams are working tirelessly to evacuate those trapped and provide medical assistance to the injured.
The cloudburst has caused widespread damage to the village, with many homes and buildings destroyed or partially damaged. The villagers are now left without shelter, food, or access to basic amenities. The government has promised to provide relief materials and assistance to the affected families.
The cloudburst is not the first natural disaster to hit Jammu and Kashmir this year. In April, a devastating landslide struck the state, killing several people and leaving many more stranded. The state is prone to natural disasters, including landslides, floods, and earthquakes, which have a significant impact on the local population.
The cloudburst in Kishtwar is a stark reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness and the need for robust infrastructure to withstand natural disasters. The state government has been criticized in the past for its slow response to natural disasters, which has led to loss of life and property.
In the aftermath of the cloudburst, the government has announced an ex-gratia relief of Rs 5 lakh to the families of those who have lost their lives. The injured will receive a compensation of Rs 50,000, while those who have been affected will receive a relief of Rs 20,000.
As the rescue operation continues, the state government is also working to provide medical assistance to the injured and ensure that those affected have access to basic amenities. The villagers are in dire need of food, water, and shelter, and the government is working to provide these essential services.
The cloudburst in Kishtwar is a tragic reminder of the power of nature and the importance of being prepared for natural disasters. The state government and the local administration must work together to provide relief and assistance to those affected, and ensure that the village is rebuilt and restored to its former glory.
