SAHIL BHAT
AUG 18: Amid inclement weather conditions and dangerous terrain, the search and rescue operation for the bodies buried under debris in cloudbust-hit Kishtwar entered the fifth day on Monday.
Working tirelessly while battling the downpour, the rescue teams were pressed in multiple locations including the langar site. Heavy machinery like earthmovers and sniffer dogs were pressed into action to remove the rubble and get clear picture.
Teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Border Roads Organisation (BRO), Civil Administration, and local volunteers have been mobilized for the rescue efforts.
As per the reports, the cloudburst hit Chisoti, the last motorable hamlet en route to the Machail Mata temple on August 14, leaving 61 people dead, including three CISF personnel and one Special Police Officer, and over 100 others injured. The latest data suggest the number of missing people stand at 50.
Notably, the cloudburst triggered flash-floods destroyed a langar site for the annual Machail Mata pilgrimage, damaging 16 houses, Government buildings, four water mills, three temples, a 30-metre-long bridge, along with over a dozen vehicles.
“On the fifth day of the rescue operation, coordinated and extensive efforts are in progress to recover the mortal remains of the missing persons. With challenging weather including constant warnings of incessant rain for the day, we are at the forefront to recover the missing bodies from catastrophe,” CISF officer said.
A couple of all-terrain vehicles have been inducted by the Army as part of the efforts to intensify the rescue and relief operation.
On August 16, CM Omar Abdullah visited the site at Chisoti in Kishtwar and interacted with the rescuers and directed them to intensify the search efforts. At the site of cloudburst in Kishtwar, CM Omar announced requisite ex-gratia for the victims.
Besides, LG Manoj Sinha posted on X, “Spoke to Senior Officials and took stock of the rescue and relief operations at Chashoti, Kishtwar. I will ensure the reconstruction of homes damaged in flash floods. I’ve also directed the senior officials for immediate relief & uninterrupted essential supplies to the affected.”
PM Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have assured all-inclusive support to LG and CM in the wake of Kishtwar catastrophe.
