The country had not yet forgotten the pain of the Dharali disaster of Uttarkashi when horrific news came from the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday. A cloud burst suddenly in the Chashoti area on the famous Machail Yatra route of Mata Chandi, causing devastation in the entire area. In no time, houses, langar sites, and vehicles were swept away like straws in the flood. So far, 46 bodies have been recovered, and about 120 people are injured, while more than 200 people are reported missing.
Nature’s havoc in the middle of the Yatra
Eight kilometers before the Machail Mata temple, around 12:30 pm, a sudden cloud burst on the upper hills caused a massive flood in the Chashoti drain. The strong current brought mud, stones, and debris, which engulfed half of the Chashoti village. It was time for lunch in the langar made for the devotees, where sevadars, cooks, and dozens of pilgrims were present.
Destruction in the langar and the village
This langar, run by the people of Udhampur, was completely destroyed. Many vehicles were washed away by the water. 10 houses, four temples, four government offices, and a bridge full of pilgrims were destroyed in the disaster. Immediately after the accident, the local bike riders, who ferry the devotees on the route, were the first to engage in rescue work. They took the injured to Hamori Langar, five kilometers away.
Hands struggling in relief work
About two and a half hours after the incident, doctors and a paramedical team started the rescue work, but they did not have adequate medicines, nor the necessary equipment. By evening, 46 bodies were recovered, and the number of injured reached 120. Many soldiers of the Army, CISF, and SDRF posted at the security post are also missing till now.
Rescue operation and Yatra suspended
Machail Yatra, which was to start on July 25 and continue for 43 days, has been suspended till September 5 for the time being. Due to darkness at night, the rescue operation had to be stopped on Thursday, and will be resumed on Friday morning. Administration, army, and police teams are continuously engaged in relief and search.
Government response
Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah over the phone and assured all possible help. Both leaders expressed deep condolences on the accident and immediately gave necessary instructions to the administration for relief work. In view of this disaster, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has canceled the Independence Day celebrations and limited the program to flag hoisting only.
Disaster management and helpline
After the disaster, a control room has been set up in Paddar, about 25 km from Chashoti village. Five officers have been deployed here. Phone numbers of the district and police control room have been issued so that people can get information about their missing relatives.
Cloud burst in four more places
Not only Kishtwar, but incidents of cloudburst also took place in other areas of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday. Heavy rains and floods were also witnessed in Frislan and Batkot near Pahalgam in Anantnag district, near Sheshnag lake and Naranag Kangan in Ganderbal. The water level of many drains suddenly rose, and nearby villages were inundated.
Health services increased
The health department has deployed an additional 13 doctors and 31 paramedics in Paddar. Specialist doctors and anaesthetists from Doda Medical College have been provided to the district hospital in Kishtwar. Senior officials are on the spot to monitor rescue and treatment.
Between grief and hope
This tragedy has plunged not only the Machail Yatra but the entire Jammu and Kashmir into mourning. The search for the missing people is on, and it is hoped that many lives can still be saved from the debris and water. This fury of nature has once again reminded us how strong and unpredictable the weather can be in the hilly areas.