News Brief
J&K: At Least 12 Dead After Massive Cloudburst In Chashoti; Rescue Ops Underway
Pic Via X
A devastating cloudburst triggered a flash flood in Jammu and Kashmir's Chashoti area this afternoon, leaving at least 12 people dead, NDTV reported.
Rescue teams have been rushed to the affected area, with visuals showing pilgrims being evacuated from the flood-hit zone.
According to news agency PTI, officials said that 12 bodies have been recovered so far, with fears that the death toll may increase.
Chashoti is the starting point for the Machail Mata Yatra, as well as the last motorable village on the way to the Himalayan shrine of Mata Chandi in Kishtwar.
As per the officials, the annual yatra has been suspended after the flash floods.
"A flash flood has occurred at Chashoti area in Kishtwar, which is the starting point of the Machail Mata Yatra. Rescue Operations have been started," said Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Pankaj Sharma, who is on his way to the cloudburst-hit area along with Senior Superintendent of Police Naresh Singh.
From its Udhampur base, the NDRF has dispatched 180 personnel equipped with modern equipment to assist in the rescue efforts.
"The cloudburst is of a massive scale, which could possibly lead to substantial casualties. We immediately got in touch with the district authorities, who were also at a loss, as it had taken everyone by surprise. They have already started moving towards the site of the incident. Very soon, we will know more details. Every possible assistance will be provided. The administration will also make arrangements for heli-rescue for medical treatment," he was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
According to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's office, he is in constant contact with the district administration, ensuring that all necessary relief measures are underway.
"Chief Minister has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic cloudburst in Kishtwar, extending condolences to the bereaved families. The Chief Minister's office is in touch with the district administration, and all the measures for relief and rescue are being taken," it said.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has instructed the police, army, and disaster response agencies to intensify rescue efforts.
"Anguished by cloudburst in Chashoti Kishtwar. Condolences to bereaved families and prayers for quick recovery of injured. Directed Civil, Police, Army, NDRF and SDRF officials to strengthen the rescue and relief operations and ensure all possible assistance is provided to the affected," he said.
