In a devastating incident, a landslide in the picturesque subdivision of Paddar in the Kishtwar district took the lives of more than 287 sheep. The unfortunate incident occurred near the Ishtari area, where a shepherd named Neeraj Singh, son of Uttam Singh from Joura Kalan of Kahara Tehsil, and another individual were leading their flock on a seasonal journey through the mountains of Paddar.
The shepherds had embarked on this customary journey with their sheep to graze in the lush pastures of the Paddar region. However, their expedition took a tragic turn when a massive landslide struck, causing a significant loss of life among the flock.
Kulbant Singh, another shepherd who handed over the flock to Neeraj Singh in the morning has described the catastrophic event and shared his harrowing account to The Chenab Times. He recounted how they were peacefully traversing the mountains, unaware of the impending danger lurking above them. Suddenly, without warning, a powerful landslide came crashing down, burying a large number of their sheep under a deluge of rocks, debris, and earth.
Rescue efforts are currently underway, with local authorities coordinating a response to locate and retrieve the bodies of the deceased animals. The official death toll stands at over 287 sheep, although final confirmation is still pending. The remote and rugged terrain of the Paddar area presents significant challenges for the rescue teams, who are working diligently to recover as many of the sheep as possible.
Local officials have expressed their condolences to the affected shepherds and their families, assuring them of all possible assistance during this difficult time. Efforts are also being made to provide necessary support to the surviving sheep and their owners, including access to veterinary care and alternative grazing arrangements.
(Inputs from Raja Shakeel of The Chenab Times)
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Anzer Ayoob is the Founder and Chief Editor to The Chenab Times
