The death toll from the devastating cloudburst in Chositi village of Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district has climbed to 60, with dozens more still missing and many injured. Officials said most of the injured have been admitted to the District Hospital Kishtwar and the Sub-District Hospital Paddar.
The disaster struck during the Machail Mata Yatra, when hundreds of devotees were present in the area. The sudden flash floods swept away houses, shops, vehicles, a langar (community kitchen), and even a CRPF camp, leaving widespread destruction in the remote region. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as people were caught under debris and fast-moving water.
Rescue and relief efforts are being carried out by the NDRF, Army, SDRF, police, and local volunteers. The Air Force is on alert for emergency evacuation, but operations are being slowed by damaged roads, continuous rain, and poor weather conditions. “Road has been washed off and the weather is not helicopter-worthy,” said Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, who is coordinating relief measures.
A Jammu-based Army spokesperson said troops from the White Knight formation were deployed immediately to save lives and assist survivors. Relief stores, medical teams, and rescue equipment have been rushed to the site, and search operations for the missing are ongoing.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief and promised full support. “My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the cloudburst and flooding in Kishtwar. The situation is being monitored closely. Rescue and relief operations are underway. Every possible assistance will be provided to those in need,” he posted on X.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said he had spoken to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to assure them of central help. “We are closely monitoring the situation and stand firmly with the people of Jammu and Kashmir through every situation,” he wrote.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called the situation “grim” and said information was coming in slowly because of the remoteness of the area. He announced the cancellation of Independence Day cultural events and the ‘At Home’ tea party as a mark of respect to the victims, though formal proceedings like the speech and parade would still go ahead.
Kishtwar DDC Chairperson said many people were trapped because of the yatra rush. “This year there was heavy rush for the yatra. The parking lot, langar, and a CRPF camp were all hit,” she said. Leader of Opposition and BJP MLA Sunil Kumar Sharma also warned of large-scale devastation given the heavy pilgrim presence.
The Machail Mata Yatra, which began on July 25 and was scheduled to run until September 5, has been suspended. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said he was “anguished” by the tragedy and directed all agencies to strengthen rescue and relief operations.
As rain continues and rescue teams battle damaged terrain, families are anxiously waiting for news of their missing loved ones. The search will continue until everyone is accounted for, officials said.
