Kishtwar Cloudburst Tragedy: Death Toll Rises to 45, Over 120 Injured; Massive Rescue Operations Underway

Kashmir: Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) is reeling under the aftermath of a devastating cloudburst that struck Kishtwar district on Thursday afternoon, claiming at least 45 lives and injuring over 120 people. The disaster occurred in the Chositi area of Kishtwar’s Paddar sub-division, the last motorable village en route to the revered Machail Mata temple. Among the deceased are two Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel and several pilgrims visiting the temple.

The cloudburst triggered flash floods, accompanied by mudslides and debris flows, which buried homes, shops, and vehicles in its path. Many people remain missing, and the local administration fears the death toll could rise, as around 1,200 people were reportedly present in the area when the disaster struck, according to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Sunil Sharma.

Swift Rescue Operations Mobilized

Immediately following the cloudburst, a massive rescue and relief operation was launched involving the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, the Indian Army, and local volunteers. The Indian Army’s White Knight Corps dispatched over five columns of 60 personnel each, along with medical detachments, to assist in the operations.

Additional SP Pardeep Singh confirmed to ANI that 45 bodies have been recovered so far, with 21 identified by their families. Over 160 people have been rescued and brought to safety. The villages of Machail and Hamori, located ahead of the affected belt, still have hundreds of people stranded as rescue efforts continue.

Infrastructure Damage and Miraculous Survival

The flash flood swept away a security camp, several vehicles at the local bus stand, and numerous shops and community structures, including a langar (community kitchen) and a security outpost. Remarkably, the Machail Mata temple itself survived the onslaught, providing a symbol of hope amid widespread destruction.

Government and Political Response

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief and extended support to the affected families via a post on X, stating, “My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the cloudburst and flooding in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir. The situation is being monitored closely. Rescue and relief operations are underway. Every possible assistance will be provided to those in need.”

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi also offered condolences and called on Congress workers to assist authorities. In his X post, he urged, “I express my deep condolences to the affected families and hope for the swift recovery of those who are missing. I request Congress leaders and workers to cooperate with the administration and provide all possible assistance to those in need.”

Helpline Numbers for Families

The local administration has issued helpline numbers for relatives of the affected and missing: 9858223125, 6006701934, 9797504078, 8492886895, 8493801381, and 7006463710.

Ongoing Efforts and Challenges

The challenging terrain and remote location continue to hamper rescue efforts. Authorities are coordinating tirelessly to evacuate stranded residents from Machail and Hamori villages and provide immediate medical care and relief to those injured. Local volunteers, police personnel, and army units are working round the clock to ensure that no one is left behind in the disaster zone.