Massive Cloudburst Devastates Kishtwar, J&K: 33 died and 220 people missing Amidst Rescue Operations

KISHTWAR, J&K – A devastating cloudburst has struck the remote village of Chositi in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district, triggering massive flash floods that have claimed at least 33 lives and left more than 220 people missing. According to the latest reports from the rescue operations, around 98 to 120 people have been rescued. The calamity, which occurred near the start of the annual Machail Mata pilgrimage, has caused widespread destruction and prompted a large-scale, multi-agency rescue effort.

The cloudburst struck Chositi, the final motorable settlement on the way to the holy Machail Mata shrine, on Thursday between 12 and 1 pm. For the current yatra, which has now been put on indefinite hold, the region was crowded with pilgrims and local sellers. Numerous cars and motorcycles were carried away by the unexpected flood, which also destroyed temporary buildings like a langar (community kitchen) for devotees. Two members of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), who were on duty throughout the pilgrimage, are among the 33 dead that rescue officials have found thus far. As rescue crews continue searching the destroyed area for survivors, it is believed that the official death toll may increase.

The Civil Administration, Army, Police, and emergency response teams began a synchronized rescue and relief effort after the tragedy. From their base in Udhampur, two teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), totaling 180 members and outfitted with cutting-edge rescue equipment, were sent to the scene. Additionally supporting the operations is the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). Access to certain places has been a huge obstacle for the rescue personnel because of the challenging terrain and persistent bad weather. The relief effort has been made more difficult by the landslides that have shut the Jammu-Doda-Kishtwar route in many locations.

The problem has been handled quickly by the federal and state administrations. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha of Jammu and Kashmir conveyed his profound sorrow and sympathies, ordering all relevant authorities to bolster rescue efforts and offer all aid to those impacted. J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have met to discuss the issue, with Shah promising full central support. President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi both expressed their sympathies and gave their word that the issue is being constantly watched.

To aid impacted people and pilgrims, the J&K government set up a special control room/help desk at Paddar, around 15 kilometers from the accident site, in the wake of the tragedy. They have made a variety of phone numbers available so that people may call them for help and updates. In observance of the deaths, the Chief Minister has also called off the Independence Day tea party and cultural activities, however official festivities will still take place.

The Himalayan areas’ susceptibility to cloudbursts and flash floods has been brought to light once more by this tragedy. According to experts, these occurrences are becoming more frequent and are partly caused by uncontrolled construction in hilly regions and climate change.

The focus is still on identifying the missing and helping the injured and their families, as rescue efforts are expected to last up to 20 days. As the region deals with the fallout from this natural calamity, everyone is currently in a state of sorrow.

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