Kishtwar Cloudburst Leaves 60 Dead, Over 100 Injured
KISHTWAR, JAMMU & KASHMIR:
A catastrophic cloudburst in Chasoti village of Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir, has left at least 60 people dead, including two Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel, and over 100 injured. The disaster struck between 12 noon and 1 pm on Thursday, triggering flash floods that washed away homes, shops, a security post, and a langar serving pilgrims of the annual Machail Mata yatra.
According to official reports, more than 167 people have been rescued so far, with at least 38 in critical condition. The tragedy has left many others missing, prompting an urgent, round-the-clock search and rescue mission.
Disaster Strikes During Annual Pilgrimage
The cloudburst hit Chasoti — the last motorable point on the route to the revered Machail Mata temple — at a time when the pilgrimage had drawn large crowds since its commencement on July 25. The sudden surge of floodwaters wreaked havoc, sweeping away clustered houses and leaving behind a trail of destruction.
Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Sharma and SSP Kishtwar Naresh Singh have been on the ground supervising rescue operations, ensuring resources are deployed swiftly to affected zones. Control rooms and help desks have been activated across the district to assist citizens and stranded devotees.
Grim Scenes from the Disaster Zone
Survivors and rescue workers have described horrific injuries sustained by victims — blood-soaked bodies, mud-clogged lungs, fractured ribs, and wounds filled with stones. The devastation in Chasoti mirrors the fragile vulnerability of Himalayan settlements, coming just over a week after flash floods hit Dharali village in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand.
Authorities have suspended the Machail Mata yatra until further notice, redirecting all manpower and resources to ongoing relief efforts.
💔 In Chositi (Chishoti/Chashoti) village of Padder, Kishtwar, J&K, on the Machail Mata Yatra route, a massive #Cloudburst claimed 36 lives, incl. 2 brave CISF jawans.
Hundreds trapped. Families torn apart. Nature’s fury, tragedy beyond words.#Kishtwar #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/t254Wt7vge
— Manni (@ThadhaniManish_) August 14, 2025
Multi-Agency Rescue Operations in Full Swing
A large-scale rescue mission is being carried out by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and local volunteers. Two additional NDRF teams have been dispatched from Jammu to accelerate the search for missing persons.
The Army’s White Knight Corps confirmed that the focus remains on saving lives and providing immediate assistance to survivors. Twelve excavators (JCBs) have been deployed at the site to remove debris, along with adequate medical teams, ambulances, and paramedic staff to treat the injured.
Political Leaders Express Condolences
President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have conveyed their condolences, assuring that the situation is being closely monitored at the highest level. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who confirmed the death toll at 60, cancelled all Independence Day cultural events and the traditional ‘At Home’ tea party as a mark of respect for the victims.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi termed the disaster “extremely tragic,” urging swift relief efforts and calling upon party workers to assist affected families. BJP leader Sunil Sharma warned that the death toll could rise further as several people remain unaccounted for.
Community and Volunteer Response
Local residents have joined hands with rescue agencies, braving dangerous conditions to help pull survivors from debris and floodwaters. Temporary shelters have been set up for displaced families, while relief camps are distributing food, blankets, and essential supplies.
With roads damaged and access to Chasoti restricted, aerial support and satellite communication have been deployed to coordinate rescue operations in remote pockets.
Authorities Urge Caution as Weather Remains Unstable
Meteorological departments have issued alerts for possible heavy rainfall in the coming days, warning residents and pilgrims to avoid vulnerable areas. All sub-divisions in Kishtwar district have been placed on high alert, with rapid response teams ready to act in case of further incidents.
As rescue workers continue to sift through rubble and fast-flowing waters, hope remains for those still missing. The tragedy has once again highlighted the urgent need for disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience in mountainous regions prone to sudden cloudbursts.
