Srinagar, July 01: More than 60 people have died and many are missing in a massive cloudburst and flash flood in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district.
167 people have been rescued, of whom 38 are in critical condition. Two Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel also died in the disaster. Rescue operations are in full swing for those trapped under the debris.
The tragedy occurred in Chositi, the last village suitable for vehicular traffic on the way to the Machhail Mata temple, around 12 noon on Thursday. A large number of devotees had gathered in Chasoti village to go on a pilgrimage to the Machhail Mata temple.
Death toll rises to 60
The death toll in a massive cloudburst in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar has risen to 60. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said rescue operations are underway. Hundreds of people are missing due to floods on the route of the Machhail Mata Yatra. All of them are likely to be trapped under the debris.
38 people are in critical condition
167 people have been rescued in the disaster. Of them, 38 are in critical condition. Many are trapped due to the floods. A market, a catering facility built for pilgrims and a security post have been destroyed.
A large number of devotees had gathered in Chositi for the annual Machhail Mata Yatra. Therefore, the death toll is likely to rise, officials said. According to BJP leader Suni Sharma, about 1,200 people were at the scene. The floods damaged 16 houses, government buildings, three temples, four water mills, a 30-metre-long bridge and many vehicles.
Rescue operation continues
Independence Day celebrations in Kishtwar have been cancelled. Only flag hoisting and national anthem will be allowed. The district collector has ordered that no cultural programmes or tea parties will be organised. So far, 46 bodies have been recovered. Of these, 21 have been identified. The identification of the rest is underway, officials said.
A National Disaster Response Force team has reached the village where the cloudburst occurred. Two more teams are on the way. The Army has deployed additional contingents to intensify the rescue operation. Rashtriya Rifles troops have also taken part in the operation. The exact number of people stranded is not known as communication from the disaster site is cut off. Mobile phones are not working due to power outages. Hundreds of people are stranded.
Rescue operation hampered
Rescue operations have been hampered due to bad weather. Helicopters are unable to fly. Machines are being used to clear rocks and trees covering the village. Jammu and Kashmir Police has put the entire region on high alert. Dedicated teams have been deployed to respond to any emergency. Control rooms have been opened in coordination with the district administration to help citizens and pilgrims.
Chosti is the last village on the way to the Machhail Mata temple. The annual yatra, which began on July 25, was supposed to end on September 5. However, the yatra has been called off due to the tragedy.
The situation in the aftermath of the tragedy is dire. Houses have been destroyed, roads are blocked, electricity has been cut off. People are struggling for food, water and shelter. Rescue workers are working day and night to help the victims. However, the weather is hampering the rescue operation.