Kishtwar admn ‘overlooked’ weatherman’s warnings

Ahead of the cloudburst that claimed more than 60 lives and left scores missing in Kishtwar on August 14, the district and divisional administration appear to have overlooked multiple red flags raised by the Meteorological Centre at Srinagar and J&K Disaster Management Authority (JKDMA).

On the fateful day, thousands of pilgrims had gathered at Chositi village, the last motorable point for Machail Mata Yatra that started on July 25 and was scheduled to culminate on September 5. The pilgrims park their vehicles at this point and walk on foot for the holy shrine.

When the tragedy struck, many devotees were having food at community kitchens set up near the road close to a nullah. At 12:30 pm, locals and pilgrims heard a loud blast followed gushing water.

Shockingly, warnings that could have prevented this loss had been issued well in advance. On August 12, the Meteorological Centre, Srinagar, had issued a warning regarding heavy rain in Jammu region. “Possibility of intense/heavy to very heavy rain at few places of Jammu division from August 12 to 15,” it stated.

The advisory further stated that there was a possibility of flashfloods at vulnerable places with landslides/mudslide and shooting stones. “Stay away from water bodies/rivers/embankments/streams etc,” it read.

During inclement weather conditions, Amarnath Yatra is suspended by the administration but similar step was not taken for Machail Mata pilgrimage.

Amarnath pilgrimage was suspended on July 17 and July 30 due to heavy rains.

The following day, on August 13, the JKDMA heightened the warning of heavy rain with regard to the Chenab region where Kishtwar is located. “Heavy rain/thunder is likely to occur in Jammu, Pir Panjal range and Chenab Valley, with very heavy rain at a few places over Jammu, Kathua, Reasi and Udhampur in the next 48 hours. Possibility of flash floods/landslides/shooting stones at few vulnerable places. Please stay alert,” the warning stated.

While senior officials are now busy in rescue operations and are not available for comments, the tragedy has raised many questions on their working.

Last year, 2 lakh devotees had visited the shrine.

Meanwhile, the MeT has issued another warning for cloudburst, flashfloods and shooting stones at vulnerable areas between August 17 and 19.