10 houses, 4 temples, 4 government offices, bridge washed away
Srinagar: A massive cloudburst hit Kishtwar district on Thursday leaving at least 50 persons dead and 120 injured. Over 200 people are reported missing.
According to the details available with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) the cloudburst hit Chasothi area in Kishtwar this afternoon.
An official said, “The rescue operations were launched immediately and the death toll could rise as many people remained displaced. Massive search efforts are underway.”
Following the cloudburst the flash flood struck the Chashoti area in Kishtwar, a key point along the route of the annual Machail Mata Yatra. The pilgrimage, which began on July 25 and is scheduled to continue until September 5, draws thousands of devotees each year to the revered Chandi Mata temple in Machail, located in the remote Paddar Valley.
“So far, 50 bodies have been recovered. Nearly 120 are injured, and around 200 are still missing. Rescue teams are facing difficulty due to damaged roads, but operations are continuing round the clock,” the official said, adding that the property worth crores including vehicles and residential structures have been damaged.
Officials said the disaster washed away 10 houses, four temples, four government offices, and a bridge that was crowded with pilgrims.
“Joint rescue efforts are being carried out by the Civil Administration, Police, Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), with a focus on tracing the missing and providing treatment to the injured,” they added.
“Efforts are also underway to restore access routes and bring additional medical teams and supplies to the affected area,” they said.
Meanwhile, Indian Army soldiers from the 16th Corps have been mobilized for rescue and relief operations, officials said. Additionally, the Air Force has been placed on alert for evacuation efforts.
DIG Shridhar Patil of the Doda-Kishtwar-Ramban Range said his message to the people is to remain calm and to call the helpline numbers if any relative or family member is missing. He assured them that they will ensure their safe return.
KNO
