Jammu, Aug 15 (NationPress) A devastating cloudburst struck the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), resulting in 45 fatalities and 120 injuries as rescue and relief efforts continued on Friday.

The disaster impacted the Chashoti area of Kishtwar’s Paddar sub-division on Thursday, claiming lives, including two personnel from the CISF and numerous pilgrims heading to the Machail Mata temple.

Authorities reported that over 120 injured individuals have been rescued, with 35 of those in critical condition.

Many individuals remain unaccounted for, raising concerns that some could be trapped beneath the debris caused by the cloudburst.

A coordinated rescue operation was promptly initiated by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, military, and local volunteers, with additional teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) mobilized to assist in saving lives. Over 300 soldiers have been deployed to support these efforts.

Chashoti serves as the final accessible village on the route to the Machail Mata temple, where many had gathered for the ongoing Machail Mata Yatra when the disaster occurred.

The pilgrimage commenced on July 25 and was set to conclude on September 5; however, it has been suspended due to this tragic event.

The cloudburst destroyed numerous homes, six government structures, three temples, cowsheds, and a bridge downstream.

A community kitchen established for the pilgrims was severely affected, leading to flash floods that washed away several temporary setups, including a security outpost.

Reports indicate that the kitchen was crowded with devotees when the catastrophe unfolded.

Minister of State (PMO) Dr. Jitendra Singh expressed on X, “A severe cloudburst in Chashoti has resulted in significant casualties. The administration has rapidly mobilized rescue teams to the site.”

He maintained communication with the Kishtwar Deputy Commissioner regarding the situation.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated, “In light of the devastating cloudburst in Kishtwar, I have decided to cancel the 'At Home' tea party scheduled for tomorrow evening.” He further mentioned that cultural events during the morning Independence Day celebrations would also be postponed.

“Formal events - speeches, parades, and others - will still take place as planned,” the Chief Minister confirmed.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed his sorrow over the incident, offering condolences to the affected families and wishing for the swift recovery of those injured.

He directed civil, police, military, NDRF, and SDRF personnel to bolster rescue and relief operations and ensure all possible aid is extended to those impacted.

“Rescue efforts in Chashoti are fully underway, with teams and equipment deployed at the scene. Additional teams have also been dispatched,” he added.

He briefed Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the rescue initiatives undertaken by various agencies, who assured full support.

“I want to reassure all affected families that the government stands with them during this crisis. The Air Force has been alerted for evacuations, and I am continuously monitoring the situation,” he mentioned.

Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, Sunil Kumar Sharma, noted that he had received reports of the severe cloudburst.

“Currently, I don’t believe anyone has precise figures, but I anticipate considerable damage in the region,” he stated.

Both Sunil Sharma (MLA Paddar) and Kishtwar MLA Shagun Parihar visited the site to oversee rescue operations and shared in the grief of those who lost loved ones in this natural disaster.

Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Pankaj Sharma, announced the suspension of the Yatra to the Machail Mata shrine following the tragedy as resources were mobilized for rescue efforts in Chashoti.

He confirmed that NDRF teams were dispatched from Udhampur to Kishtwar. The 118 RCC of BRO also sent personnel and equipment to the area to assist in clearing the damaged Chashoti road and constructing a temporary bridge.

Deputy Commissioner and SSP Kishtwar Naresh Singh are actively supervising the rescue operations.

As of late night, officials have identified 11 bodies, while 67 injured individuals were transported to District Hospital Kishtwar, with some critically ill patients referred to Jammu.

The deceased include Meenakshi, daughter of Balbir Kumar from Pancheri in Udhampur; Ramesh Kumar from Dhandyal in Udhampur; Anand Kumar, son of Gopi Chand from Hauz Khas, Delhi; Palak Sharma, daughter of Neeraj Sharma from Narwal, Jammu; Neha Devi from Ward No. 4 Gomanasan; Arushi Devi and Sharda from Assar; Amit Kumar Sharma, son of Thouru Ram from Akhnoor; Sunil Kumar, son of Parshotam Dass from Barmeen (Udh); Bimla Devi, wife of late Suraj Parkash from Bajarni, Doda; and Monika Mehra, wife of Ajay Mehra from Jammu.

Pushpa Devi, a resident of Roopnagar Jammu, who was critically injured, died while being transferred from Kishtwar to Jammu hospital.

The Sub-District Hospital (SDH) in Paddar has been bolstered with an additional 13 doctors and 31 paramedics to enhance critical health infrastructure.

Senior health department officials are stationed at Paddar to oversee rescue and medical operations.

The District Hospital (DH) Kishtwar has received additional support from General Surgeons, Orthopedic Surgeons, and Anesthetists from Government Medical College (GMC) Doda.

Tertiary care institutions have been placed on high alert. A specialist team is prepared at Doda to manage patients being referred from DH Kishtwar.

The GMC hospital in Jammu is fully operational, featuring 50 dedicated disaster beds, 20 ventilator beds, and 5 operating theatres (OTs).

Specialist medical teams, including Orthopedic surgeons, Neurosurgeons, Critical Care Anesthetists, and Maxillofacial consultants, are on standby.

The GMC Jammu Blood Bank has been augmented with over 200 units of blood available for emergencies.

To support the response to this crisis, PGIMER Chandigarh has dispatched a specialized team of Critical Care Specialists and Neurosurgeons to GMC Jammu to further enhance critical care capabilities.

In the immediate aftermath of the incident, a large fleet of 65 ambulances from various departments, including the Health Department, NHPC, Army, CRPF, and the 108 Emergency Service of the J&K Health and Medical Education department, was deployed for rescue and patient transport.