A flash flood in Indian Kashmir on August 14 has killed at least 44 people and left more than 200 missing, potentially including many pilgrims on a yearly Hindu trek. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and assured that rescue and relief efforts continue.
Tragic Flood in India
On Thursday, August 14 before noon, a tragedy struck in Indian Kashmir when heavy rains triggered a flash flood in the village of Chasoti. According to Sky News, which cites data from rescue services, at least 44 people were killed and over 200 are still missing. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that “the situation is being monitored” and expressed condolences to all those affected, adding that rescue and relief operations are underway and every possible assistance will be provided to those in need. “It was terribly demeaning and unbearable. I have never before seen such a scale of destruction of life and property,” a witness told Sky News.
Many Pilgrims May Be Among the Affected
Lacoti is a Himalayan village in the Kishtwar district of Kashmir and is the last place reachable by motor vehicles on the route of the annual Hindu pilgrimage to a mountain temple at 3,000 meters altitude. The village is about eight kilometres from the pilgrimage site. Because of the flooding, the pilgrimage that began on July 25 has been suspended, and the event was scheduled to run until September 5. Authorities fear that many participants may have been among the injured. “A large number of pilgrims gathered for a meal and were taken by the water,” a government official told Reuters. Rescue teams, including Indian soldiers, are heading to the site to strengthen search and relief efforts.
