Jammu, August 19: Rescue and relief operations continue on a large scale for the sixth consecutive day in the flood-affected village of Chassoti in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district, which was devastated by a cloudburst last Tuesday.
Officials stated that the Army, NDRF, SDRF, police, and local administration are fully engaged in rescue efforts, utilizing all available resources. Rescue teams are working at multiple sites, especially near the epicenter of the cloudburst, where major relief operations are ongoing.
Special all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) have been deployed to reach areas believed to have people trapped under debris. These vehicles are crucial for accessing regions where traditional rescue equipment cannot reach due to difficult terrain.
To speed up operations, the Army and rescue teams are using explosives to remove large boulders obstructing the debris. Dog squads and earth removers are also being deployed in the operation.
In a significant development, the Army has constructed a Bailey bridge over the Chassoti stream in record time, restoring crucial connectivity to the area.
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, in a post on social media platform X, praised the Army’s dedication and bravery. He wrote: “The Army has built a Bailey bridge over the Chassoti Nallah near the cloudburst site in record time, restoring critical connectivity. I salute their unmatched courage, commitment, and service to the nation.”
The disaster struck on the afternoon of August 14, when a devastating cloudburst triggered flash floods in the remote village of Chassoti — the last motorable village en route to the revered Machail temple.
So far, the death toll has risen to 67, while 167 people have been rescued alive. According to the latest official figures, the number of people still missing has now come down to 40.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has announced the deployment of ten senior IAS and IPS officers to Chassoti, with each team to be stationed there for two days over the next eight days, to oversee rescue and relief efforts directly. A formal government order has been issued to this effect.
