The village of Chasoti, located in the Kishtwar district, is reeling from the aftermath of devastating flash floods that have claimed over 140 lives. In the wake of the tragedy, a grim reality has emerged: a disturbing number of severed limbs are being recovered alongside the bodies of victims. This unsettling phenomenon has added another layer of trauma for the villagers and rescue workers.

The disaster struck on August 14th, when a sudden surge of water tore through Chasoti, a base camp for the annual Machail Mata Yatra, while hundreds of pilgrims were present. The force of the floodwaters was immense, sweeping away everything in its path, including homes, makeshift eateries, and a bridge across the stream.

The recovery efforts have been harrowing. According to reports, in the first two days following the flood, rescue teams recovered nearly as many severed limbs as intact bodies. On one day, along with an intact body, a severed leg was found. On the next day, four bodies and two severed feet were retrieved. Dr. Rakesh Kotwal, a doctor involved in the recovery efforts, expressed the grim reality, stating that the death toll is likely to climb higher.

The presence of so many severed limbs has understandably shaken the community. It paints a graphic picture of the sheer force of the water and the brutal impact it had on the victims. It also complicates the already difficult task of identifying the deceased. Naseer Ahmed, an accountant at the local hospital who is recording the recovered bodies and body parts, has questioned the official figures, suggesting the actual number of casualties may be far greater than reported.

Adding to the distress, the exact number of people present in Chasoti at the time of the flood remains unknown. While authorities can account for some locals, many others were pilgrims from different districts and laborers from various states, as well as vendors and even individuals from Nepal. These individuals are not on any official list, making it impossible to determine the total number of missing.

Despite the challenges, rescue operations continue, with teams from the Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local police working tirelessly to locate survivors and recover the deceased. Makeshift morgues have been set up to process the bodies and body parts, and efforts are underway to identify the victims and return them to their families.

In the face of this tragedy, the community of Chasoti is grappling with immense loss and trauma. The flood has not only taken lives but also left deep scars on the landscape and the collective psyche of the village. As the rescue efforts continue, the focus is also on providing support to the survivors and helping them rebuild their lives in the aftermath of this devastating event.