In a tragic turn of events, six individuals lost their lives and eleven others sustained injuries after flash floods, triggered by a cloudburst, ravaged Thathri town early Thursday morning. The deluge inundated vast stretches along the Batote-Kishtwar National Highway, sweeping away half a dozen houses in its wake.
The catastrophic event unfolded at approximately 2:20 am, dramatically increasing the water level of the ‘nullah’ that flows adjacent to the Jamia Masjid locality. The torrent of water unleashed by the cloudburst caused widespread destruction, with six houses, two shops, and a school reported damaged.
Among the deceased were four members of a single family, highlighting the personal toll of this natural disaster. Rescue operations have been ongoing, with authorities having successfully extricated eleven people from the debris. However, many more are feared to be trapped, and the death toll is anticipated to rise as rescue efforts continue.
Anzer Ayoob, our editor of The Chenab Times and a firsthand witness to the catastrophe, provided a detailed account: “At 2:20 am, flash floods triggered by a cloudburst hit Thathri town, causing a massive surge in the level of the ‘nullah’ flowing along the Jamia Masjid locality. I was part of the rescue team and saw firsthand the devastation it caused.”
Emergency services and local authorities are on high alert, working tirelessly to assist those affected and to search for any remaining victims. The community is reeling from the devastation, with many residents left homeless and in need of urgent assistance.
Stay tuned to The Chenab Times for ongoing updates and in-depth coverage from ground zero as we continue to monitor the situation and provide support to the affected families.
The Chenab Times News Desk