Cloudburst in Kishtwar: Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar’s valley was struck with a massive cloudburst on August 14 at 11 AM. Triggering a flash flood, it tore through Chesoti village along the Machali Mata Yatra route. So far, 46 bodies, including two of CISF personnel have been recovered so far with 167 people rescued. However, out of those, 38 are critically injured and have received immediate medical assistance.
As the UT carries out rescue operations and attempts to locate those reported missing, the valley is covered in mud, debris, and damage. As water engulfed the region within minutes after the cloudburst, houses and several other infrastructure were washed away. An eyewitness told ANI that the cloud burst sounded like a blast and within two minutes, four feet of debris had surrounded them. PM Modi, in his speech at the Red Fort today, on India’s 79th Independence Day, addressed the monsoon mishaps and said, “Nature is testing us.”
J&K cloudburst: Eyewitness accounts
“We were right there… suddenly there was a blast-like sound, and after the cloudburst, we started to evacuate, but within 2 minutes, there was 4 feet of debris,” the victim said. He revealed that his wife and daughter were trapped in the debris, but are now rescued and stable. Others matched his claims and called the sound “like a bomb exploding.” They described how chaos took over the valley, and everyone started shouting.
Many religious pilgrims were visiting the valley. A devotee told agencies that his sister and nephew were still missing. Recounting the haunting experience, a victim said, “When the cloud burst, we were flown away and I was stuck under a car… My mother was under an electricity pole…”
Kishtwar cloudburst: Independence Day celebrations cancelled
With 100s still reported missing, rescue operations are being carried out by the CRPF, CISF, Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, State Disaster Response Force and other civilian agencies. The White Knight Corps has deployed more than five columns of 60 personnel each, along with medical detachments.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah cancelled the cultural events planned for the 79th Independence Day celebrations, reported IANS. However, the formal events like the speech and march past will go ahead as planned. PM Modi, Congress Mallikarjun Kharge, and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha condoled the loss of lives and prayed for their speedy recovery.