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Key Points

A devastating cloudburst in Kishtwar has claimed 60 lives, with survivors like Subash Chander recalling terrifying hours trapped under debris. Rescue teams, including the Army and NDRF, are working tirelessly as officials assess missing persons. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has raised concerns over whether better warnings could have mitigated the disaster. PM Modi expressed solidarity with victims during his Independence Day speech.

Key Points: 60 Dead in Kishtwar Cloudburst as Survivors Recall 6-Hour Ordeal

  • Cloudburst triggers deadly flash floods on Machail Mata Yatra route
  • Survivors describe sudden mudslide trapping devotees
  • Army and NDRF lead rescue amid missing persons count
  • Omar Abdullah questions if warnings could have prevented tragedy
3 min read

'I was trapped in debris for 6 hours': 60 dead as rescue Op continues days after cloudburst in J-K's Kishtwar

Survivors recount horror as cloudburst kills 60 in Kishtwar, with Army and NDRF leading rescue efforts amid ongoing devastation.

"I was trapped in the debris for around 6 hours – Subash Chander, survivor"

Kishtwar, August 16

"I was trapped in the debris for around 6 hours," recounts Subash Chander, a devotee days after a massive cloudburst hit Chashoti village in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district on Thursdaym, killing at least 60 people.

A massive cloudburst along the Machail Mata Yatra route triggered flash floods and widespread destruction, resulting in multiple casualties among yatris and locals.

Subash Chander who has been undertaking the Yatra for 34 years on the Machail Mata Yatra route said they were about four to five people undertaking langar sewa (free food) in a near by hall when all of a suden "We heard a loud sound"

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah told ANI that "Around 60 bodies have been found. The number of missing persons is being assessed"

He said that they will "inquire" after the rescue and relief operation concludes "whether the Administration could have taken any preventive steps when the Met Department had issued a warning and also advised people not to venture out if not needed"

He further added that the personnel from the Army, National Disaster Response Force, the State Disaster Response Force,Police and administration are undertaking a rescue operation joined by workers of different political parties "working on the ground".

He also mentioned that Centre has assured them of "all possible help"

Chander recounted that it was not "raining heavily" at the time

"But due to the cloudburst, a huge slide of mud, boulders, and trees came crashing onto the building. Had we not run out of the building, we would not have survived... 2-3 people on another building died on the spot. I was trapped in the debris for around 6 hours"

"Nobody came for one hour (for rescue), but after that, the Army and the locals arrived to rescue us...", he alleged.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh visited the cloudburst-affected areas in Chesoti late on Friday evening.

According to sources, the Indian Air Force will participate in relief and rescue operations, with two Mi-17 helicopters and one Advanced Light Helicopter on standby at Jammu and Udhampur.

Earlier on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day speech, expressed solidarity with those affected by recent natural disasters across India.

"Nature is testing us...Over the past few days, we have been facing natural disasters, landslides, cloudbursts, and many other calamities. Our sympathies are with the affected people," he said from the Red Fort

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who did this yatra last year, this hits close to home. The terrain is already dangerous even without cloudbursts. Authorities need better disaster preparedness in hilly areas.
A
Ananya R
Why do we always wait for disasters to happen before taking action? Met warnings should be taken seriously with mandatory evacuations. So many lives could have been saved 🙏
V
Vikram M
Salute to our Army and NDRF teams working in such difficult conditions. But one hour delay in rescue is unacceptable in such situations. Need better coordination at local level.
K
Kavya N
This is nature's warning about climate change. We're seeing more extreme weather every year. Need to invest in early warning systems and disaster-proof infrastructure across Himalayas.
D
David E
The survivor's account is harrowing. Can't imagine being trapped for 6 hours. Shows incredible resilience. Hope the government provides proper rehabilitation for affected families.

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