Srinagar, Aug 14 (KNO): A massive cloudburst hit Kishtwar district on Thursday leaving at least 50 persons dead and 120 injured. Over 200 people are reported missing.
According to the details available with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) the cloudburst hit Chasothi area in Kishtwar this afternoon.
An official said, “The rescue operations were launched immediately and the death toll could rise as many people remained displaced. Massive search efforts are underway.”
Following the cloudburst the flash flood struck the Chashoti area in Kishtwar, a key point along the route of the annual Machail Mata Yatra. The pilgrimage, which began on July 25 and is scheduled to continue until September 5, draws thousands of devotees each year to the revered Chandi Mata temple in Machail, located in the remote Paddar Valley.
“So far, 50 bodies have been recovered. Nearly 120 are injured, and around 200 are still missing. Rescue teams are facing difficulty due to damaged roads, but operations are continuing round the clock,” the official said, adding that the property worth crores including vehicles and residential structures have been damaged.
Officials said the disaster washed away 10 houses, four temples, four government offices, and a bridge that was crowded with pilgrims.
“Joint rescue efforts are being carried out by the Civil Administration, Police, Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), with a focus on tracing the missing and providing treatment to the injured,” they added.
“Efforts are also underway to restore access routes and bring additional medical teams and supplies to the affected area,” they said.
Meanwhile, Indian Army soldiers from the 16th Corps have been mobilized for rescue and relief operations, officials said. Additionally, the Air Force has been placed on alert for evacuation efforts.
DIG Shridhar Patil of the Doda-Kishtwar-Ramban Range said his message to the people is to remain calm and to call the helpline numbers if any relative or family member is missing. He assured them that they will ensure their safe return.
Army joins rescue operation
The Army has joined the relief and rescue operation at the cloudburst-hit Chisoti village in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district, where at least 50 people have died and over 200 are missing.
"In the aftermath of a cloudburst at the Chisoti village in Kishtwar, troops of the White Knight swiftly mobilised for relief and rescue operations," a Jammu-based Army PRO said.
The efforts are centred on safeguarding lives and aiding survivors, the spokesperson said, adding that the search for the missing continues.
The Army said that relief stores, medical teams and rescue gear have been rushed to the site.
Over five columns of 60 personnel each, totalling 300 troops, and medical detachments of White Knight Corps are on the ground, working with police SDRF and other civilian agencies to save lives, the PRO added.
"Search for missing is underway with medical aid and support reaching affected families," the PRO said.
BJP MLA from Paddar and Leader of the Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, Sunil Sharma, along with Kishtwar BJP MLA Shagun Parihar, visited the site of the devastating cloudburst.
Speaking from the scene, Sharma estimated that between 1,000 and 1,200 people were in the area when the disaster struck. He described the situation as grim, noting that the death toll is significantly high and that recovery efforts are still ongoing as more bodies continue to be found.
As rescue teams continue to clear debris and conduct search operations in the aftermath of the cloudburst, families of the missing individuals endure a night filled with uncertainty and apprehension. For them, this night represents not rest but a relentless wait against time.
Witnesses said that some hold photographs of their loved ones, while others repeatedly trying to contact them via mobile phones, receiving no response. They added that there is no information or confirmation about their whereabouts—(KNO)