DHS Jammu cancels leaves in Kishtwar after cloudburst

Ramban, Aug 14: Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district have cancelled all leaves for Health Department staff with immediate effect following a deadly cloudburst, directing officials to remain at their posts and keep ambulances ready.

As per an order issued by Director of Health Services Jammu Dr Abdul Hamid Zargar, which reads that it was impressed upon all the Medical Officer(s) and DDOs to ensure that no officer/official leaves the station without prior permission from the Director of Health Services Jammu. Chief Medical Officer(s) and DDOs of all Districts have been advised to keep all the Ambulances on ready mode to meet any eventuality due to inclement weather.

The move comes after a massive cloudburst struck the Chisoti area in Kishtwar in the afternoon on Thursday, killing dozens of people and leaving several others injured or missing. The sudden deluge damaged houses, swept away structures, and left debris scattered across large areas, prompting a massive rescue and relief operation.

Officials said teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and police have been deployed to search for the missing and assist affected families, while the administration has appealed to people to stay away from vulnerable riverbanks and streams amid the continuing inclement weather.