By Bilal Akram | The Public TV
Jammu, Aug 14: A massive cloudburst ripped through Chositi village in Kishtwar district on Thursday afternoon, unleashing flash floods and destruction that have left at least 52 people dead, including two CISF personnel. Over 100 others remain missing, while 112 survivors—many in critical condition—have been rescued so far. Officials fear the death toll could rise as rescue teams dig through debris in the remote Himalayan terrain.
The disaster struck between 12 noon and 1 pm at the last motorable point en route to the revered Machail Mata Temple, where hundreds of devotees had gathered for the ongoing annual Yatra. In seconds, torrents of water and mud swept away homes, shops, and vehicles, leaving behind a scene of utter devastation.
Massive Rescue Effort Underway
Rescue operations by the Army, NDRF, SDRF, Police, and civil administration are in full swing, with helicopters and heavy machinery deployed. The Indian Air Force is on standby for emergency evacuations. Additional relief teams have been rushed to the site despite damaged approach roads and poor connectivity.
PM Modi: ‘Every Possible Assistance Will Be Provided’
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a post on X, 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.”
HM Amit Shah: ‘We Stand Firmly With the People of J&K’
Union Home Minister Amit Shah posted:
> “Spoke with the LG and Chief Minister of J&K on the cloudburst in Kishtwar district. The local administration is conducting relief and rescue operations. NDRF teams have promptly been rushed to the site. We are closely monitoring the situation and stand firmly with the people of Jammu and Kashmir through every situation.”
CM Omar Abdullah Cancels Events, Mobilizes Resources
J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced the cancellation of Independence Day “At Home” events and cultural programs in view of the tragedy. On X, he wrote:
> “The news is grim & accurate, verified information from the area hit by the cloudburst is slow in arriving. All possible resources are being mobilised from within & beyond J&K to manage the rescue operations.”
LG Manoj Sinha: ‘Government Stands Shoulder to Shoulder’
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who has been monitoring operations from the control room, said:
> “I want to assure all the affected families that the Government stands shoulder to shoulder with them in this hour of crisis.”
Ground Reality
Survivors describe scenes of chaos as people scrambled for safety amid rising water levels. With communication lines down, families from neighboring districts are desperately seeking news of loved ones. Relief camps have been set up in safer locations to shelter displaced residents. Authorities have appealed to the public to stay away from the disaster zone to allow unhindered rescue work.