Heavy destruction due to cloudburst in Kathua, 4 people traumatic deaths:

The quiet litigants of Jammu and Kashmir have once again become a victim of nature’s form of nature. Amidst heavy monsoon rains, a sudden flood (Flash Flood) has caused huge devastation in Jungleot area of Kathua district, in which 4 people have been confirmed so far. This is another devastating phenomenon in the region this season, which has disturbed the local public life and has created a serious concern.

After this late night incident, there was an atmosphere of screaming and chaos. The flow of water was so fast that he took away everything that came in his way, including houses, cattle and even humans. The rescue teams are on the spot and the relief work continues on a war footing, but the bad weather and damaged routes remain a major challenge.

Dreadful scene of destruction: What is the loss?

This disaster came in the dark of night, so that people did not even get a chance to recover. When the flood of water and debris entered the residential area, Manjar was very creepy.

• Four people died: According to official sources, four bodies have been recovered so far in this procession. It is feared that more people may be buried in the debris, due to which the number of casualties may increase.
• Heavy loss to railway track: The flood has completely shed a railway underpass, which is expected to affect traffic on the Jammu-Pathankot railway line. It is an important connectivity link for the region.
• Home and cattle flowed: Many raw and pucca houses either collapsed or completely swept away in the fast flow of floods. Along with this, many cattle also went to water, causing heavy economic losses to local farmers and cattle rearers.
• Roads became river, contact broken: The main roads and culverts connecting the area have also suffered serious damage. The contact of many villages has been completely cut off from the headquarters, which is hindering the rescue operations.

What is a cloud burst? (Why it is so destructive in mountains)

‘Cloud bursting’ is an extreme form of rain. When in a very small place (within a radius of about 20-30 square kilometers) receives 100 mm or more rain within an hour, it is called cloud bursting. This phenomenon is more disastrous on the mountains than in the plains because:

1. Fast slopes: The water does not stop due to the slope of the mountains, but flows downwards at a very fast speed.
2. Debris and stone: This strong current carries a large amount of soil, stone, and debris with it, which increases its destructive capacity manifold.

Administration and rescue teams ready on the spot

The local administration, police and state disaster redemption force (SDRF) teams immediately reached the spot as soon as the incident was reported.

• Rescue operations continue: Rescuers are looking for missing people since night. With the help of local people, the work of removing the debris and removing the trapped people is being done.
• High alert issued: The administration has issued a high alert in the area and has advised people living on the banks of river drains to go to safe high places.
• Meteorological Department Warning: The Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning of heavy rains in many areas of Jammu and Kashmir in the coming 24-48 hours, due to which there is a possibility of further deterioration.

Jammu and Kashmir has seen an increase in extreme seasonal incidents such as cloudburst in recent years, which experts have been directly looking at the effects of climate change and global warming. This phenomenon is another reminder that we need to be more serious about environmental protection and disaster management.