Massive cloudburst in J&K’s Chashoti: 10 feared dead, rescue operations underway
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At least 10 people are feared dead after a massive cloudburst triggered flash floods in Jammu and Kashmir’s Chashoti area on Thursday afternoon, officials said.
Rescue teams have been rushed to the site, and visuals show pilgrims being evacuated.
Chashoti, the starting point of the Machail Mata Yatra and the last motorable village en route to the Mata Chandi shrine in Kishtwar, has seen the annual pilgrimage suspended in the wake of the disaster.
“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, along with Senior Superintendent of Police Naresh Singh, is heading to the affected area.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh, MP from Udhampur, said he was informed about the incident by local MLA and Leader of Opposition Sunil Kumar Sharma, and had spoken to Sharma.
“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 told ANI.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed condolences and directed security forces and disaster response teams 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.