Team News Riveting
Srinagar, August 14
At least 38 people were killed in a massive cloudburst that struck a remote mountain village in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district on Thursday.
The victims include two CISF personnel. The death toll could rise as many people are believed to be trapped, officials said, adding that 120 people have been rescued so far. Of these, the condition of 38 is said to be serious.
The nature’s fury struck Chositi, the last motorable village en route to Machail Mata temple, between 12 noon and 1 pm. A large number of people had gathered at the spot for the annual Machail Mata yatra, which commenced on July 25 and was scheduled to end on September 5. The 8.5-km trek to the 9,500-feet-high shrine begins from Chositi, which is about 90 kilometres from Kishtwar town.
Officials said a ‘langar’ (community kitchen) set up for the devotees here bore the brunt of the cloudburst that led to flash floods and washed away several structures including shops and a security outpost. Officials said the langar was packed with devotees when the calamity struck.
Soon after getting information, Kishtwar Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Sharma, along with the senior superintendent of police, mobilised rescue teams and rushed to the spot. A massive rescue operation was already launched by NDRF, SDRF, police, Army and local volunteers. Army’s White Knight Corps also swung into action to safeguard lives and provide aid the survivors.
“In the aftermath of a cloudburst at Chisoti (Chositi) village, Kishtwar, troops of White Knight Corps swiftly mobilised for rescue and relief ops (operations). Efforts are centred on safeguarding lives and aiding survivors. Search for missing continues. Relief stores, medical teams and rescue gear rushed to site. We Serve, We Protect,” the corps said in an X post.
The annual yatra to the Machail Mata shrine was suspended following the tragedy as the authorities mobilised all resources for rescue operations at Chositi, officials said.
