Rescue Efforts Intensify Amidst Rains in Chisoti After Cloudburst

Chisoti, Jammu and Kashmir, Aug 18 (PTI) - In an unwavering effort despite relentless rains and challenging terrain, rescue teams continue an extensive search on the fifth day to locate missing individuals buried in the debris following a cloudburst in the remote village of Chisoti. Officials stated that on Monday, rescue personnel donned raincoats and worked at multiple sites, notably the major impact area near a langar (community kitchen) site. Despite the ongoing downpour, they sifted through the debris using heavy machinery, including earthmovers and sniffer dogs.

The catastrophic cloudburst struck Chisoti, the last accessible village on the route to the Machail Mata temple, on August 14. This disaster claimed 61 lives, including three CISF personnel and a Special Police Officer, while injuring over 100 others. The number of missing persons has now been revised to approximately 50.

The flash floods triggered by the cloudburst wreaked havoc, devastating a makeshift market, a langar site intended for the annual Machail Mata yatra, and damaging 16 houses and government buildings, three temples, four water mills, as well as a 30-meter-long bridge. Over twelve vehicles were also damaged in the calamity.

"Today marks the fifth day of the operation, and concerted efforts are being made to recover the mortal remains of those missing," a CISF officer stated. "With challenging weather conditions due to the rain and warnings of further heavy rains, we are persisting in our efforts," said the officer. The joint operation involves the police, army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), CISF, Border Roads Organisation (BRO), civil administration, and local volunteers.

On Sunday, Army engineers successfully constructed a Bailey bridge over the Chisoti nullah, restoring crucial connectivity to the village and the Machail Mata shrine. Additionally, the Army deployed all-terrain vehicles to enhance the rescue and relief operations. Officials mentioned that rescuers have conducted controlled explosions to dismantle giant boulders obstructing the search.

The annual Machail Mata yatra, which commenced on July 25 and was set to conclude on September 5, has been suspended for the fifth consecutive day as of Sunday. The arduous 8.5-km journey to the 9,500-foot-high shrine originates from Chisoti, situated around 90 km from Kishtwar town.

To expedite the rescue operations, rescuers are employing over a dozen earth-movers and other heavy equipment. Furthermore, the NDRF has mobilized its resources, including dog squads, to accelerate the operations.