46 Dead After Cloudburst Hits Kishtwar, Rescue Efforts Underway as Many Feared Trapped
A sudden cloudburst triggered flash floods, destroying numerous buildings and leaving several people trapped under debris.
A severe cloudburst struck Chositi village in the remote Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday afternoon, claiming at least 46 lives, including two CISF personnel, officials confirmed.
The deluge caused flash floods that swept away multiple structures, with authorities fearing the death toll could climb as rescue operations continue.
So far, 167 individuals have been rescued, with 38 reported to be in critical condition.
Disaster Strikes During Machail Mata Yatra
The incident occurred between 12 noon and 1 pm in Chositi, the last motorable village en route to the sacred Machail Mata temple, situated at an altitude of 9,500 feet. The pilgrimage, which began on July 25, was scheduled to continue until September 5.
A large crowd of devotees had gathered in Chositi, approximately 90 km from Kishtwar town, when the cloudburst occurred. A community kitchen (‘langar’) set up for pilgrims was among the worst-hit structures. Shops and a security post were also swept away by the flash floods.
Army Joins Relief and Rescue Mission
Kishtwar Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Sharma, along with the senior superintendent of police, rushed to the area to oversee rescue operations.
Several agencies, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, Army, and local volunteers, launched extensive rescue efforts. Two additional NDRF teams from Jammu and Udhampur were deployed to bolster search and rescue operations.
“Extensive rescue operations have been initiated in the affected area,” the deputy commissioner said while en route to Chositi.
J&K CM Cancels Tea Party and Cultural Programs
In response to the tragedy, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced the cancellation of the Independence Day tea party and cultural programs scheduled for Friday.
“In view of the disaster caused by the Kishtwar cloudburst, I have decided to cancel the ‘At Home’ tea party tomorrow (Friday) evening,” Abdullah said in a post on X.
He clarified that the formal proceedings, including the flag-hoisting and march past at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar, would continue as planned.
PM Modi Offers Support
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sorrow over the incident and assured full central assistance for those affected.
“My thoughts and prayers are with everyone impacted by the cloudburst and flooding in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir. The situation is being closely monitored. Rescue and relief operations are ongoing, and every possible support will be provided to those in need,” the Prime Minister wrote on X?
