In a remarkable act of quick thinking and responsibility, a teacher's decision to delay lunch at a school in a remote village in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) has averted a major tragedy, saving the lives of 80 children. The incident occurred in Chasoti village, where a sudden cloudburst triggered a catastrophic flash flood.

Hukum Chand, a teacher at the local school, sensed the impending danger and decided to hold back the students from their midday meal. This seemingly small decision proved to be life-saving as, moments later, a mountain collapsed into a nearby stream, causing a flash flood that swept through the village. The force of the water destroyed homes and temples, leaving the community grappling with immense loss and devastation.

The teacher's alertness and timely action ensured that all 80 children remained safe within the school premises, away from the path of the destructive floodwaters. While the rest of the village faced the brunt of the natural disaster, the students were shielded from harm thanks to the teacher's presence of mind.

Cloudbursts are sudden, intense rainfalls that can lead to flash floods and landslides, often causing significant damage and casualties. The Indian Meteorological Department defines a cloudburst as rainfall of 100 mm or more in an hour. The recent cloudburst in J&K's Kathua district claimed the lives of at least seven people, including five children, highlighting the destructive potential of these weather events. Days prior, a similar incident in the Kishtwar district resulted in approximately 60 fatalities.

Following the disaster, rescue operations were launched by the Indian Army, along with civil administration, J&K Police, and teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). These teams worked together to evacuate stranded families, provide food, water, and temporary shelter, and deliver critical medical care to the injured. Army medical teams, supported by civil medical responders, were also on hand to assist. Engineer detachments utilized heavy machinery to clear blocked routes and restore vital connectivity. Seriously injured individuals were airlifted to the Military Hospital Pathankot.

The Chief Minister and Lieutenant Governor of J&K expressed their grief and directed the administration to provide immediate relief to the affected. Financial assistance was announced for the families of the deceased and those who sustained injuries.

This incident underscores the importance of preparedness and quick thinking in the face of natural disasters. Hukum Chand's act of delaying lunch served as a crucial intervention, preventing a terrible tragedy and safeguarding the lives of the 80 children under his care. It serves as a reminder of the vital role teachers play in their communities, often going above and beyond to protect and nurture the students entrusted to them.