When a deadly cloudburst swept through Chisoti village in Kishtwar district on August 14, triggering chaos and tragedy during the Machail Mata Yatra, it was the swift response of 108 ambulance services that brought a glimmer of hope amid despair.
The disaster claimed 67 lives, left over 100 injured, and more than 100 pilgrims remain missing as rescue operations continue in the rugged, flood-hit terrain.
“The 108 ambulance warriors became the thin line between life and death,” said Mushtaq Ahmed, Project Head, 108 Emergency Services.
According to officials, the first call was received by the 108 control room from Area Operation Manager Viqar Lone and EMT Sunil Kumar, who were already stationed at Chosoti with Pilot Arif Rashid on routine yatra duty.
One 108 ambulance was already deployed at the site, allowing for an immediate emergency response. As the scale of the disaster became clear, 14 additional ambulances were rushed in from Kishtwar and Doda.
He recalled that one of the 108 ambulances was already deployed at the site for first aid and was present at the incident spot, ensuring a rapid initial response.
“That day realizing the gravity of the situation and the large number of casualties, 14 ambulances from nearby districts Kishtwar and Doda were instantly mobilized,” Mushtaq said.
The ambulances shifted patients to Sub-District Hospital Paddar, despite severe challenges. He said roads near JusniyaNallah were completely blocked due to flooding.
“To overcome this, injured patients were carried across the blocked stretch, transferred into other 108 ambulances, and then transported safely to SDH Paddar,” he said.
Further, on the instructions of the Mission Director, NHM, 18 ambulances from Kashmir division, seven ambulances from Udhampur&Ramban, four ambulances from Jammu and two ambulances from Samba were dispatched to Paddar, Kishtwar.
Mushtaq said in total, 47 ambulances of Jammu & Kashmir’s 108 Emergency Services (JKEMS) were deployed for rescue operations.
“Through these efforts, 77 patients were provided emergency care and were safely shifted to hospital, while 31 critically injured pilgrims were shifted to GMC Jammu for treatment. Over 67 deceased pilgrims were also transported to their respective homes by 108 ambulances,” he said.
Throughout this tragedy, 108 JKEMS teams have been working round-the-clock with courage and dedication, standing as a lifeline for pilgrims during one of the worst natural calamities in the region.
The Project Head applauded all EMTs and pilots of the 108 Ambulance Services for their relentless efforts in saving the lives of pilgrims during this devastating cloudburst.
“Special appreciation to Pilot Arif Rashid and EMT Sunil Kumar, who were present at the site during the incident, risked their lives, and saved many pilgrims,” he said.
He also acknowledges the Area Manager, KishtwarViqar Lone, who coordinated with the district administration and ensured the swift evacuation and shifting of patients from the incident site.
The cloudburst struck Chisoti, the last motorable village en route Machail Mata temple. More than 100 are still missing since and are yet to be found.
