7 dead, around 40 missing after cloudburst hits J-K's Kishtwar

Seven people were killed and around 40 are reported missing after a cloudburst in a remote village in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir early Wednesday. At least 17 people were rescued from the flash floods that swept away over half-a-dozen houses, officials said.

Kishtwar (Jammu & Kashmir): A cloudburst swept away over half-a-dozen houses in a remote village in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir early Wednesday, leaving seven people dead and 12 injured, officials said. A total of 17 people have been rescued so far, IGP Jammu said. Over 40 people are still reported missing in the cloudburst which struck Honzar village in Dacchan tehsil around 4:30 am. A joint rescue operation by police, army and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) is underway. Two incidents of cloudbursts were reported from Kargil in the Union Territory of Ladakh too.

"Central Government is closely monitoring the situation in the wake of the cloudbursts in Kishtwar and Kargil. All possible assistance is being made available in the affected areas. I pray for everyone’s safety and well-being", tweeted PM Narendra Modi.

Rescue teams were rushed to Honzar village of Dacchan tehsil. "SDRF team and the local police, too, were pressed into services. The area is in upper reaches of Kishtwar, not accessible by road," SDRF Commandant General V K Singh told media. The Indian Army has sent a 22-member party led by Capt Vivek Chauhan for rescue operation. According to officials, Indian Air Force authorities have been contacted for lifting the injured. The cloudburst has damaged at least eight houses in Honzar village.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh said that bodies were recovered from the debris. "30 to 40 persons are missing. Rescue operations going on with help of SDRF & Army (sic)," tweeted Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Wednesday morning.

Read: 1 killed, 10 missing as cloud burst triggers flash floods in Himachal Pradesh

"Spoke to senior authorities and Kishtwar district administration (where at least 4 people have died following cloudburst). Army and SDRF team working on war footing to rescue people and trace the missing persons. I am continuously monitoring the situation," tweeted office of LG Manoj Sinha. "Saddened over loss of precious lives due to flash floods caused by cloud burst in Dacchan, Kishtwar. My thoughts are with bereaved families," another tweet read.

Home Minister Amit Shah, too, tweeted about the incident. He said he had already spoken to the Lt Governor of Jammu & Kashmir and the Director General of Police. He said the NDRF, the army and the local administration had been carrying out rescue operation, adding the government's priority was to save as many lives as possible.

Water level in River Chenab has increased due to heavy rainfall in the region. The Deputy Commissioner of Ramban advised people not to venture anywhere near riverbanks. "River Chenab is flowing far higher than its normal water level. People are again advised not to venture anywhere near riverbanks of all water-bodies in District Ramban. Remain Vigilant and Alert," the DC tweeted.

The Department of Sheep Husbandry issued an advisory to field staff to remain extra vigilant and available to avoid any losses in the region keeping in view the inclement weather. The department officials requested breeders to keep their livestock indoors and avoid grazing.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a severe weather alert for Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday forecasting widespread heavy rain that can cause flash floods, landslides and also waterlogging in low lying areas. "Widespread intermittent rain most likely to continue till 30th. Heavy to very heavy rain is also possible at some places. This may lead to flash floods, Mudslide, Landslide and waterlogging in low lying areas. Accordingly, people are once again advised to remain alert and very cautious as water levels has risen in all rivers. Don't venture out on hilly and landslides, Mudslide prone areas," said Sonam Lotus, director of the IMD here.

Cloudbursts in Kargil

Two cloudbursts hit different areas of Kargil in the Union Territory of Ladakh, causing damage to a mini power project, nearly a dozen residential houses and standing crops, officials said on Wednesday. However, no loss of life was reported in the cloudbursts, which struck Sangra and Khangral on Tuesday evening, they said.