Omar Abdullah visits Kishtwar, sees virtual reality view of cloudburst-hit devastation

When calamity struck the remote Chasoti village in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district, it left behind a scene of devastation few could fully comprehend: over 60 lives lost, dozens injured, entire buildings and bridges swept away, and families searching desperately for the missing. But amid the coordinated rescue efforts and somber assessments, a new technology stepped quietly into the spotlight—Virtual Reality (VR).

During his recent visit to Kishtwar, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah donned a VR headset provided by emergency responders to visualize the true extent of the destruction wreaked by flash floods in the village. This innovative use of VR, more commonly associated with gaming or entertainment, offered leaders and rescue supervisors a powerful new perspective, allowing them to step virtually into disaster zones for instant, immersive situational awareness.

The virtual walk-through gave Abdullah not only a comprehensive overview of the worst-hit locations, but also enabled coordination among emergency services based on a realistic spatial understanding of the area—bridging the gap between two-dimensional maps and the ground reality faced by families and first responders. Such detail is invaluable when dozens remain missing and time is of the essence.

Across the disaster management sector, VR is rapidly gaining ground as a crucial tool. By simulating the aftermath of natural calamities in precise 3D environments, VR helps leaders like Abdullah plan targeted relief efforts, equips rescue teams to rehearse their response in risk-free, realistic settings, and even aids in preparing local communities for future disasters. Experts note that VR training and simulation improve decision-making, boost confidence, and accelerate critical interventions when lives are at stake.

The ongoing operations in Kishtwar are a stark reminder of the unpredictable dangers faced by remote communities. Yet with each headset and real-time reconstruction, VR is proving that technology isn’t just for entertainment or education—it’s a lifeline that can bridge distances, deepen understanding, and help save lives when every moment counts.