Srinagar: The death toll from the cloudburst in Chasoti village of Kishtwar district has risen to 65, as rescue operations continue amid ongoing grief and chaos at the site, officials said on Friday.
An official informed KNO that 167 injured people have been rescued. Of them, 38 are in critical condition and have been admitted to Government Medical College and Hospital, Jammu, while rescue and relief operations were ongoing.
Earlier in the day, Cabinet Minister Javed Dar, speaking to the media in Baramulla, confirmed that the death toll has reached 65 and said the rescue operations are ongoing.
The incident occurred along the Machail Mata Yatra route and has affected over 1,000 people. Around 200 are still missing. Relatives have reported at least 69 individuals missing, though the exact figure is uncertain due to communication issues and power disruptions.
The cloudburst struck Chositi, the last motorable village on the route to the Machail Mata temple, at approximately 12:25 PM on Thursday. It damaged a market, a langar (community kitchen), and a security outpost.
The annual Machail Mata Yatra, which began on July 25 and was scheduled to conclude on September 5, had drawn many devotees, several of whom were in the area when the cloudburst occurred.
Flash floods swept away camps, buildings, and vehicles. The damage includes 16 houses, three temples, a 30-meter bridge, and over a dozen vehicles.
Rescue teams from the Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, and locals are clearing the debris. The Indian Army’s White Knight Corps has deployed over 300 personnel, supported by medical teams and supplies. Two additional NDRF teams are on the way.
Meanwhile, survivors said there was complete chaos and grief, and no one could understand who had gone missing or from where. They said people were focused on saving their own lives.
One of the witnesses said, “The mountain collapsed. I was standing on a rock, which helped me survive, but I couldn’t find many of my family members.”
Another survivor, Rakesh Sharma, said, “We heard a noise, and debris fell. I was buried, but a piece of wood prevented serious injury.”
A survivor from Jammu, who lost her sister, said locals helped first “They provided clothing, food, and assistance. They rescued many injured people and took them to hospitals.”
Among the survivors is Putul Devi, admitted to the hospital with a relative by her side. Her face reflected shock and uncertainty.
Her family had come for the pilgrimage and had completed the darshan when the cloudburst struck. “There was a loud sound, like a blast, and suddenly everything turned chaotic. People began to run in all directions,” she told reporters.
Devi had been travelling with 13 family members. She has been reunited with only two. Her husband and three children are among those still missing.
“Ongoing rain and low visibility have limited air support,” an official from the district administration said, adding that rescue teams are using earthmovers to clear the area.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a post on X that he had spoken to Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah regarding the situation following the cloudburst and flooding in Kishtwar. He stated that authorities are working on the ground to assist those affected.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said he spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the situation. “I just received a call from Hon PM @narendramodi Sb. I briefed him about the situation in Kishtwar and the steps being taken by the administration. My government and those affected are thankful for the support and assistance from the Union Government,” Abdullah posted on X.
The CM and his Advisor, Nasir Aslam Wani, visited the incident site and met with locals who shared details about the situation following the Chishoti cloudburst.
Earlier in the day, Cabinet Minister Satish Sharma visited the residences of several victims of the tragic cloudburst at Jammu to offer condolences to the bereaved families.
Sharma interacted with the family members, expressed deep grief over the irreparable loss of precious lives and prayed for eternal peace to the departed souls. He conveyed heartfelt sympathies and wished for strength and courage to the families to bear the tragedy.
The minister assured the affected households that the government stands with them in this difficult time. He said that all necessary support and relief measures would be extended without delay.
Sharma said the heartbreaking incident has shattered the entire Jammu and Kashmir. He reiterated the government’s commitment to provide full assistance and rehabilitation support to the families of the victims.
The minister also attended the last rites of the victims held at various places in Jammu district. (KNO)
