46 Dead, Dozens Missing After Massive Cloudburst in J&K’s Kishtwar

A massive cloudburst struck Chisoti village in Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir, on Thursday, leaving many people dead and missing. 46 bodies have been recovered from cloudburst-hit village so far and the toll is expected to go up, officials said.

 

 

More than 160 people have been rescued, but 38 of them are reported to be in serious condition. Officials warn that the death toll may rise as more individuals are believed to be trapped.

 

 

The flash floods triggered by the cloudburst destroyed a security camp, several vehicles at the bus stand, and multiple buildings, including shops and a security outpost. A community kitchen (langar) for devotees was also swept away, though a temple in the flooded area survived.

 

 

Chisoti is the last motorable point on the route to the famous Machail Mata shrine and the starting point of annual yatra, which has now been suspended. Rescue operations by the SDRF, Army, J&K Police, CRPF, CISF and civil administration are underway.

 

 

The local administration has issued helpline numbers for the family members of the people trapped and killed in the tragic incident. The numbers provided are: 9858223125, 6006701934, 9797504078, 8492886895, 8493801381, and 7006463710

 

PM Modi expressed grief over the deaths by the cloudburst in a post on X, “My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the cloudburst and flooding in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir. The situation is being monitored closely. Rescue and relief operations are underway. Every possible assistance will be provided to those in need,” PM Modi said.

 

 

Office of LG J&K shared on X, "Anguished by cloudburst in Chositi Kishtwar. Condolences to bereaved families & prayers for quick recovery of injured. Directed Civil, Police, Army, NDRF & SDRF officials to strengthen the rescue & relief operations and ensure all possible assistance is provided to the affected."