Langar, Homes Swept Away; NDRF & Army Battle Debris Amid Fears of Rising Toll
Over 200 Rescued, Dozens Critical; PM Modi, President Murmu Express Grief as NDRF, Army Rush to Aid Pilgrims Near Machail Mata Shrine
Suhail Khan
Kishtwar, Aug 14: A massive cloudburst struck Chositi village in the remote Kishtwar district of Jammu on Thursday afternoon, killing at least 50 people, including two CISF personnel, officials confirmed.
An official told Kashmir Despatch that the cloudburst triggered flash floods, washing away several structures and leaving many trapped under debris. Officials fear the death toll may rise as rescue operations continue.
So far, over 200 people have been rescued, with more than 50 reported to be in serious condition.
The official stated that the tragedy occurred between 12 noon and 1 pm in Chositi—the last motorable village on the route to the sacred Machail Mata temple, located at 9,500 feet. The temple yatra began on July 25 and was scheduled to continue until September 5.
A large number of devotees had gathered in Chositi, around 90 km from Kishtwar town, when the cloudburst struck. A langar (community kitchen) set up for pilgrims was among the worst-hit structures. Shops and a security post were also swept away by the flash floods.
Kishtwar Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Sharma, along with the Senior Superintendent of Police, immediately rushed to the site to supervise rescue efforts.
Multiple agencies, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, Army, and local volunteers, launched a large-scale rescue operation. Two additional NDRF teams from Jammu and Udhampur were deployed to intensify search and rescue efforts.
“Massive rescue operations have been started in the area,” said the Deputy Commissioner while en route to Chositi.
President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed their condolences and assured that the situation was being closely monitored.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, “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.”
President Murmu stated, “The news of several deaths due to a cloudburst in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir, is extremely tragic. I express my heartfelt condolences to the grieving families and pray for the success of relief and rescue operations.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to assess the situation.
In a post on X, Shah expressed concern over the cloudburst, which triggered flash floods along the Shree Machail Mata Yatra route. He confirmed that he had spoken with the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister, assuring the central government’s full support.
“The local administration is conducting relief and rescue operations. NDRF teams have been promptly rushed to the site. We are closely monitoring the situation and stand firmly with the people of Jammu and Kashmir. All possible assistance will be provided to those in need,” he said, as per Kashmir Despatch.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced the cancellation of the “At Home” tea party scheduled for Friday evening, as well as cultural events during Independence Day celebrations, in light of the tragedy.
“The local administration is conducting relief and rescue operations. NDRF teams have promptly been rushed to the site,” he wrote on X.
Immediately after the disaster was reported, Kishtwar Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Sharma and senior officials mobilized rescue teams and headed to the site to oversee operations.
A large-scale rescue operation involving the NDRF, SDRF, police, Army, and local volunteers was launched. Authorities have deployed additional rescuers, including two fresh NDRF teams from Jammu, to expedite efforts.
The Army’s White Knight Corps stated that efforts were focused on safeguarding lives and aiding survivors.
“In the aftermath of a cloudburst at Chisoti (Chositi) village, Kishtwar, troops of White Knight Corps swiftly mobilized for rescue and relief operations. Efforts are centred on safeguarding lives and aiding survivors. The search for the missing continues. Relief stores, medical teams, and rescue gear have been rushed to the site. We Serve, We Protect,” the corps posted on X.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh was among the first to highlight the magnitude of the tragedy.
“A massive cloudburst in Chositi area could result in substantial casualties. The administration has immediately swung into action, and a rescue team has left for the site,” he posted on X.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also expressed his anguish.
“Anguished by the cloudburst in Chositi, Kishtwar. My condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the quick recovery of the injured. I have directed civil, police, Army, NDRF, and SDRF officials to strengthen rescue and relief operations and ensure all possible assistance is provided to the affected,” he stated on X.
