Jammu and Kashmir: 38 Dead, Several Missing, 120 Rescued in Kishtwar Cloudburst

Several others are feared trapped. Authorities have reported that 120 people have been rescued so far, with 38 in critical condition, and the death toll may rise.

A large-scale relief and rescue operation is underway, involving the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, army, and local volunteers.

The disaster struck Chashoti village, located on the route to the Machail Mata Temple, between 12 PM and 1 PM.

At the time, a large number of pilgrims had gathered for the Machail Mata Yatra. The temple, situated at an altitude of 9,500 feet, is accessible by vehicle up to Chashoti village, after which pilgrims must trek 8.5 kilometers to reach it.

Chashoti village, approximately 90 kilometers from Kishtwar town, saw significant destruction, particularly affecting a community kitchen (langar) set up for pilgrims.

The flash flood washed away shops, a security post, and several buildings.

Kishtwar’s Deputy Commissioner, Pankaj Kumar Sharma, immediately deployed rescue teams and is personally overseeing operations alongside the Senior Superintendent of Police.

Authorities have suspended the annual Machail Mata Temple pilgrimage to focus on rescue efforts. Two NDRF teams from Udhampur have been dispatched to Kishtwar.

The flash flood has impacted numerous homes in the densely populated village at the foothills.

Kharge, in a post on X, stated, “I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives due to the cloudburst in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir. My condolences are with the families of the victims, and I extend my deepest sympathies to each of them. My thoughts and prayers are with the injured and those searching for their missing family members.”

He urged authorities to deploy additional NDRF and armed forces teams for improved relief and rehabilitation efforts and called on Congress workers to provide all possible assistance during this crisis.

In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi wrote, “The news of several deaths and missing persons due to the devastation caused by the cloudburst in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir, is deeply distressing. I express my heartfelt condolences to the affected families and hope for the swift recovery of those missing.” The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha urged the administration to expedite relief and rescue operations and requested Congress leaders and workers to cooperate with the administration and assist those in need.

The administration has taken swift action following the cloudburst in Chashoti. Jammu Zone’s Inspector General of Police, Bhimsen Tuti, confirmed that rescue operations are ongoing, with 75 people receiving treatment in hospitals.

 The meteorological department has forecasted continued adverse weather, with expectations of heavy rainfall and potential cloudbursts in the coming days, urging residents to exercise caution.