Kishtwar (National Times): A powerful cloudburst in Chisoti village, Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir, on Thursday triggered devastating flash floods, claiming at least 60 lives and injuring more than 100 people. The sudden deluge struck as devotees were en route to the Machail Mata Yatra, leaving villages submerged and homes destroyed.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah confirmed the fatalities and warned that the numbers could rise as rescue teams continue searching for those still trapped. Authorities have shared photographs of the victims with families via WhatsApp groups, leading to the identification of 21 bodies so far. Over 160 people have been rescued, though 38 remain in serious condition.
Neighboring Villages Stranded
Two nearby villages, Machail and Hamori, remain cut off due to the flash floods, leaving hundreds stranded. Efforts are ongoing to reach these areas and evacuate residents to safer locations.
NDRF and SDRF Mobilized
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed teams to Chisoti to assist with rescue operations, with two additional teams en route. Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Sharma stated that bad weather had prevented helicopter operations, forcing rescue teams to travel by road from Udhampur.
Help Desks and Helplines Set Up
A control room and help desk have been established in Paddar, approximately 15 km from Chisoti, to coordinate relief efforts and assist affected families. Officials are responding to numerous distress calls and working to trace missing persons. Helpline numbers have been widely circulated to ensure families can access timely information.
Survivors Describe Horror
Survivors of the calamity shared harrowing experiences. Putul, one of the rescued, said, “The mountain collapsed suddenly. Chaos erupted everywhere. I stood on a rock, which saved me, but I am still trying to locate my family members.”
Another survivor, Rakesh Sharma, recounted, “We were at the langar when debris started falling. While trying to protect my child, I got buried under the debris but was saved by a large piece of wood. Many people are still missing. The locals helped me with food and clothing.”
Rescue and relief operations continue, with authorities deploying all available resources to evacuate those trapped and provide medical aid to the injured. The Jammu and Kashmir administration has assured full support to affected families as search operations remain in progress.
