Devastation in Jammu: Road Blocks and Flash Flood Tragedies

The Dhar road connecting Lakhanpur and Udhampur in the Udhampur district has been obstructed by a massive boulder, leaving hundreds of travelers and trucks stranded. Udhampur Deputy Traffic Inspector, Javed Kataria, noted the blockage occurred around a quarter to eleven due to continuous rain and landslides. Efforts to clear the road are in progress, with a boulder breaker expected to arrive to facilitate site clearance, requiring an estimated six to seven hours.

Simultaneously, a severe cloudburst led to a catastrophic flash flood in the Chashoti area of Kishtwar, affecting the Machail Mata Yatra route, resulting in over 60 fatalities. Rescue operations are being executed by multiple agencies, and the affected individuals are receiving medical treatment in District Hospitals. On Friday, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah confirmed the death toll and stated that efforts are underway to ascertain the number of missing individuals.

CM Abdullah also declared ex-gratia reliefs, with Rs 2 lakh for families of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh for those severely injured in the Kishtwar flash floods. Additionally, financial assistance of Rs 50,000 will be extended to those with minor injuries. Compensation for structural damages includes Rs 1 lakh for completely damaged structures and Rs 50,000 for severely damaged ones. Abdullah, who surveyed the affected areas in Kishtwar, emphasized support from the CM's Relief Fund. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)