Special all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) have been deployed in Chasoti village of Kishtwar district to support rescue operations following a sudden flash flood on August 14, which claimed 61 lives.
These powerful vehicles, designed to navigate rough and challenging terrain, are being used to reach remote and debris-covered areas where people remain trapped.
Speaking to the media, Head of Production Jaipal Singh said, “We have brought these off-road vehicles to support the army. These vehicles can move in any terrain. Many people are buried here, and some have already been rescued. The capacity of this vehicle is 1,200 kg, and it can operate in any weather condition.”
The Indian Army, NDRF, SDRF, police, and local administration are working together in the ongoing search and rescue mission to locate missing persons and assist survivors.
A day earlier, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo confirmed that 61 people lost their lives in the cloudburst and flash flood incident in Kishtwar, while 116 individuals have been rescued so far.
Addressing the media, Chief Secretary Dulloo said, “61 people have lost their lives in the incident. Security forces and various agencies have launched a coordinated search and rescue operation. CISF, J&K Police, CRPF, BRO, Indian Army, and NHPC were present at the site immediately after the incident. Around 450 personnel are working day and night in the rescue operation. So far, 116 people have been rescued.”
Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) Deputy Inspector General MK Yadav added that rescue operations are ongoing, with teams using JCB machines and zoning the area to locate those still missing.
“Rescue operations are continuing, and SDRF, NDRF, local police, and CISF teams have all been deployed in zones across the area. All agencies are working tirelessly. We hope to save more people trapped under boulders and in muddy areas. The situation is improving compared to earlier,” Yadav told the media. (Agencies)
