JK Cloudburst: Agencies deployed, clearing operations underway in Kishtwar; highway opened for light vehicles
Kishtwar, August 1
Following a cloudburst in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district on Saturday, agencies were immediately deployed to the site and clearing operations are underway to remove debris and muck from the affected area, Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Sharma said.
Speaking to ANI, DC Sharma said that the cloudburst incident occured somewhere upstream in the Chatroo area in the district.
"There was a small drain in the area where the student market is located; it overflowed due to a cloudburst that occurred somewhere upstream. Debris and muck washed onto the road, and two adjoining shops and two houses sustained partial damage," he said.
He said agencies were immediately deployed to the site to clear the debris and muck.
"We immediately deployed agencies to the site, and clearing operations are underway; all the debris and muck are being removed," the Deputy Commissioner said.
"We have cleared the obstruction by immediately deploying machinery, including excavators and JCBs. We have now opened the highway for light motor vehicles," he added.
The cloudburst hit the Chatroo area in the early hours of Saturday, damaging some commercial outlets and shops. Union Minister Jitendra Singh earlier said that no loss of life had been reported in the incident.
In a post on X, Singh said he spoke to Kishtwar Deputy Commissioner (DC) Pankaj Kumar Sharma after receiving reports of the cloudburst.
"Just now spoke to DC Kishtwar Pankaj Kumar Sharma, after receiving the reports of cloudburst in the Chhatroo area early this morning. No loss of life reported. Some commercial outlets/shops are damaged for which due compensation will be provided," he said.
The Union Minister also said that steps had been taken to strengthen the early warning system in the region.
"To reassure the local residents, it is important to inform that after the experience of the last year's Chasoti cloudburst, the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, has installed two latest 'Early Warning Systems' (EWS) in Kishtwar and Machhail respectively," Singh said.
"In addition, an 'Automatic Weather Station' (AWS) is also in the process of being installed in the Padder area," he added.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Glad no lives were lost. The early warning systems installed after last year's Chasoti cloudburst seem to be a good step. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
Every time a cloudburst happens in J&K, I worry about the infrastructure. The highways get blocked, shops get damaged... But at least the DC and agencies are on top of it. Hope compensation reaches the affected shop owners quickly. 🤞
The early warning systems are a great initiative but we also need better drainage infrastructure in these mountainous regions. Muck and debris accumulating is a recurring problem. I appreciate the quick response but let's also invest in prevention.
Respect to the jawans and agencies working in such tough terrain to clear the debris! And kudos to DC Sharma for staying on ground. We often forget how challenging disaster management is in Kashmir. 🙌
It's reassuring that the administration has opened the highway for light vehicles already. Hope the damage assessment is done thoroughly and affected families get proper support. Solid work by the authorities in a short time.
One positive from this incident is that the early warning systems are actually being installed and mentioned in the official communication. But we must ensure these systems are maintained and tested regularly, not just installed for namesake. 👍
P We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.