Chositi Floods: A Devastating Toll of Lives and Property

14 August- Kolkata, India: On Thursday, a giant cloudburst caused severe flooding in the Chositi area of Krishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir. Authorities report many casualties as either missing or dead.

Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Sharma highlighted the issue and said, “A flash flood occurred at the Chashoti area in Kishtwar, which is the starting point of the Machail Mata Yatra. Authorities have started rescue operations.”

According to news sources, they report that 12 casualties died, and the number can rise depending on the situation and the rescue operation. The rapid flood destroyed a communal kitchen, raising concerns about the casualties. However, officers have not formally confirmed the casualties.

NDRF on the situation

According to some sources, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has already deployed two groups to Kishtwar to conduct relief and rescue operations.

Images from the region were released by state media, showing water rushing downhill from what looked to be a damaged road. The footage also showed stalled vehicles.

Jitender Singh, a Union minister, stated separately that the cloud burst “could result in substantial casualty.”

A member of the  Office of the Lieutenant Governor of J&K spoke gravely on the situation and stated that “Anguished by cloudburst in Chositi Kishtwar. Condolences to bereaved families and prayers for the quick recovery of the injured. Directed Civil, Police, Army, NDRF and SDRF officials to strengthen the rescue and relief operations and ensure all possible assistance is provided to the affected.”

Omar Abdullah on the current situation

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also heard the news from Krishtwar and was unhappy about the situation.

Abdullah also spoke about the situation with Home Minister Amit Shah, who briefed him about the circumstances during their conversation.

Abdullah also stated that “I just spoke to the Union Home Minister Amit Shah Sahab to brief him about the developing situation in Kishtwar region of Jammu. The news is grim and accurate, verified information from the area hit by the cloud burst is slow in arriving.”

Heavy rainfall alert in J&K

Over the next four to six hours, moderate to heavy rainfall, thunder, lightning, and gusty winds are expected in various areas of Jammu and Kashmir, according to the Meteorological Centre in Srinagar.

According to the predicted information, the impacted areas will include sections of Poonch, Rajouri, Reasi, Udhampur, Jammu, Doda, and Kishtwar, as well as Kupwara, Baramulla, Bandipora, Srinagar, Ganderbal, and the hilly hills of Budgam.