Kishtwar, Aug 15 — A weather alert issued by the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory Disaster Management Authority (JKUTDMA) has drawn public attention in the aftermath of the cloudburst in Chasoti village of Padder, Kishtwar district, which has left over 55 people dead and over 200 missing.
The message, circulated to residents across the Jammu division, warned of “heavy rain/thunder” likely over Jammu, Pir Panjal Range and Chenab Valley, with “very heavy rain” in parts of Jammu, Kathua, Reasi, and Udhampur over the next 48 hours. It also cautioned about possible flash floods, landslides, and shooting stones, advising the public to stay alert and dial 112 for emergencies.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, some residents questioned why the Machail Mata Yatra was not suspended despite repeated alerts. An X user from Jammu wrote, “Have been receiving such messages for the last 3 days. When the Amarnath & Budha Amarnath Yatra can be stopped without any justified reason, why wasn’t Machail Yatra (prone to risks) stopped even after such warnings?”
A local from Doda, requesting anonymity, told The Chenab Times, “There are two main questions in my mind after this cloudburst in Padder: when there was a weather advisory about heavy rainfall, why didn’t the administration act on it? And why was the langar permitted near the nallah despite the warning?”
District authorities continue extensive rescue and relief operations. Volunteers from Ababeel NGO have also been active at the site. “We heard around 1 p.m. that a cloudburst had occurred here and we rushed to the spot immediately with our seven ambulances and started rescue operation,” one volunteer told The Chenab Times.
Reports indicate that some injured victims referred to GMC Doda later succumbed to their injuries after being transported on hilly terrain roads. Questions have been raised over why they were not airlifted, though some responders said bad weather made airlifting impossible.
A female survivor recounted the moment of the disaster: “400-500 people were on the spot and some were crossing the bridge in lines, and we don’t know how many washed away. My parents are still missing.”
Authorities have urged caution as heavy rain is forecast to continue, increasing the risk of further incidents. Rescue operations remain ongoing.
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Anzer Ayoob is the Founder and Chief Editor to The Chenab Times
