Flooding Disaster in Kishtwar: Prolonged Agony for Relatives of the Vanished
On August 14, a sudden cloudburst hit the Chishoti nallah in the Paddar area of Kishtwar district, Jammu & Kashmir. The cloudburst triggered massive flash floods that swept away houses, eateries, and bridges along the route of the Machail Mata yatra.
The floods occurred in Kishtwar district, where the tragedy took place. The floods were caused by the cloudburst, which brought down large rocks from the mountain side, uprooting trees and tearing down several eateries and washing away many houses.
The disaster has resulted in a significant loss of life. As of now, at least 65 people have been confirmed dead, with 49 bodies recovered. Another 33 individuals remain missing. Over 115 people are reported to be injured.
The Army has been involved in removing bodies from under the debris and evacuating stranded people to safer areas. Dheeraj Singh, 32, is among those waiting for rescue workers to find his mother and aunt who are among over 13 people missing in his family and relatives. His family had come to the place on August 12 and were expected to leave by the next three days before the floods occurred.
Dheeraj's mother and aunt were with a group of pilgrims who were neighbors and distant relatives from Bishnah area of Jammu. Joginder Pal's cousin's family, including two daughters in the 8th and 6th class and a wife, are among those missing in the floods. Gokal Chand's house remains in ruins, and he lost all his possessions.
Rescue efforts are ongoing using excavators. Over 3000 people have been rescued and 450 are being evacuated to safer locations. The Army has built a Bailey bridge to restore connectivity and deployed all-terrain vehicles to accelerate relief operations.
Politicians, NGOs, and locals from across the spectrum have participated in the rescue. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and J&K Minister Javid Ahmad Dar visited the site to assess and oversee rescue efforts. The Northern Army Commander praised the troops for their swift and effective response.
The flash floods have left a trail of devastation in the area where people would camp to trek the hill to undertake the Machail Mata yatra. The disaster has caused extensive damage, including the flattening of a makeshift market, damage to 16 houses, government buildings, temples, water mills, and critical bridges.
Joginder Pal expresses hope that bodies will be recovered for the performance of last rites. The incident is a stark reminder of the destructive power of natural disasters and the importance of prompt and coordinated rescue and relief efforts.
[1] News Source 1 [2] News Source 2 [4] News Source 4
The disaster-struck area in Kishtwar district is now facing challenges due to the lack of proper facilities, including food and medical supplies. The sudden change in weather conditions has affected the health of many survivors. [1]
Several sports events scheduled in the region have been postponed or cancelled due to the ongoing rescue and relief efforts in the aftermath of the floods. [2] [4]
