Kishtwar Cloudburst: Death Toll Rises, Rescue Operations Underway
A massive cloudburst has triggered devastating flash floods in the Chasoti village of Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district. The disaster has led to a significant number of casualties, with reports indicating a death toll of at least 38 people, including two CISF personnel. Over 100 people are still reported missing, and officials fear the final number of casualties could be much higher.
The incident occurred in a remote, mountainous area that serves as the last motorable point on the route to the revered Machail Mata shrine. A community kitchen (langar) and a security post were washed away by the flash floods, which struck while a large number of pilgrims were in the area for the annual yatra.
Emergency rescue operations are currently in progress, led by teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Indian Army, and local authorities. Two NDRF teams, equipped with modern rescue technology, have been deployed from Udhampur to the site. However, the rescue and relief efforts are being hampered by the remote location and extensive damage to infrastructure. Officials estimate that the full rescue, relief, and recovery operations could take up to 20 days.
President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have both expressed their condolences and pledged that all possible assistance will be provided. The Jammu and Kashmir administration has established a dedicated control room and help desk for affected residents and pilgrims. As a result of the tragedy, the annual Machail Mata yatra has been suspended.
