Kishtwar Cloudburst: Rescue Enters Day 5

• Kishtwar cloudburst: Death toll at 61, rescue operation ongoing.
• Chisoti hit hard: Homes, buildings, infrastructure destroyed.
• Machail Mata yatra suspended; Army restores connectivity.

A tragic cloudburst in Kishtwar district has led to a massive rescue operation. As the search continues, the death toll has reached 61. Read on for more details on the ongoing efforts.

Tragedy Strikes Chisoti

On August 14, a cloudburst hit Chisoti, the gateway to the Machail Mata shrine. The sudden floods caused widespread destruction, impacting homes, government buildings, and infrastructure. The disaster, occurring near the Machail Mata yatra route, brought immense loss to the community.

Relentless Rescue Efforts

Rescue teams, including the police, Army, NDRF, and local volunteers, are battling harsh weather to find survivors and recover those missing. Heavy machinery, sniffer dogs, and even controlled blasts are being used to navigate the challenging terrain and debris. The focus remains on locating the nearly 50 missing individuals.

Impact and Devastation

The cloudburst caused significant damage, including the destruction of 16 houses, multiple buildings, and infrastructure. The sudden floods also swept away a makeshift market and langar site, adding to the distress of the pilgrims. The Machail Mata yatra, which started on July 25, is currently suspended.

Restoring Connectivity

Army engineers have constructed a Bailey bridge to restore connectivity, a crucial link for villagers and pilgrims. The disaster has affected over a dozen vehicles and damaged vital infrastructure. The combined efforts aim to aid the affected community and support rescue missions.