Cloudburst in J&K’s Kishtwar Washes Away Langar Shed; Casualties Feared
A severe cloudburst hit the Paddar Tashoti area of Kishtwar district, triggering flash floods that swept away a langar (community kitchen) shed. The Deputy Commissioner of Kishtwar, Pankaj Kumar Sharma, said casualties are feared, though official confirmation is pending. A rescue operation has been launched at the site.
Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh said he spoke to DC Sharma following an urgent alert from J&K Leader of Opposition and local MLA Sunil Kumar Sharma, adding that the administration has immediately mobilized rescue and medical teams.
Jammu & Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed condolences to affected families and directed Civil, Police, Army, NDRF, and SDRF teams to strengthen relief efforts and provide all possible assistance.
The Meteorological Centre in Srinagar has issued a Nowcast alert forecasting moderate to heavy rainfall, with brief intense showers, thunder, lightning, and gusty winds over the next 4–6 hours. Areas likely to be affected include Kupwara, Baramulla, Bandipora, Srinagar, Ganderbal, Budgam, Poonch, Rajouri, Reasi, Udhampur, Jammu, Doda, and Kishtwar.
The Qazigund–Banihal–Ramban highway axis may also see intense short-period rainfall, with risks of cloudbursts, flash floods, landslides, mudslides, and falling rocks, especially in hilly and vulnerable areas.
