NATIONAL: J&m: Kishtwar’s Tragic Deluge: 60 Dead, 69 Missing
A catastrophic cloudburst in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district has claimed 60 lives, with the death toll expected to rise. The disaster, striking Chashoti village, triggered flash floods, leaving widespread devastation along the Machail Mata pilgrimage route.
Escalating Humanitarian Crisis
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reported over 100 individuals sustaining severe injuries. With 69 people unaccounted for, a large-scale search and rescue operation persists, involving police, SDRF, NGOs, and approximately 300 military personnel.
High-Level Response and Challenges
Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged with Chief Minister Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, pledging comprehensive support. Adverse weather conditions have grounded helicopter evacuations, complicating relief efforts in the rugged terrain.
Identification and Medical Efforts
Authorities are employing WhatsApp to share images of recovered bodies, with 30 victims identified thus far. A specialized medical team from Chandigarh is en route to address the critical condition of many survivors.
Stranded Pilgrims and Infrastructure Damage
Hundreds of devotees visiting the Machail Mata temple remain stranded in Hamori and Machail villages. Power outages and disrupted mobile networks hinder communication, exacerbating the plight of those isolated.
Local Accounts and Mass Burials
Witnesses reported bodies swept away by the Chenab River, with locals interring eight in a mass burial along its banks. Estimates suggest 500 to 1,000 individuals may be trapped beneath debris, amplifying the tragedy’s scope.