Tragic Cloudburst in Kishtwar Claims 45 Lives and Injures Over 100

Devastating Cloudburst in Kishtwar

The recent cloudburst in the Chesoti region of Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir, has resulted in the tragic loss of 45 lives, with more than 100 individuals injured, according to local officials. Pradeep Singh, the Additional Superintendent of Police in Kishtwar, reported that rescue efforts are underway, involving multiple agencies including the Jammu and Kashmir Police, SDRF, Fire Services, CISF, CRPF, and the Army.

Singh confirmed that while 45 fatalities have been recorded, over 100 injured individuals have been transported for medical care. The search continues for many who are still unaccounted for. He stated, "We will provide updates as more missing persons or bodies are discovered. Local residents and ambulances are collaborating with police in the rescue efforts. So far, 8-10 deceased individuals have been identified, and the identification process is ongoing."

The cloudburst struck on Thursday in Chesoti village, located along the Machail Mata Yatra route, which had attracted a significant number of pilgrims. In response to the disaster and adverse weather conditions, Kishtwar Police have established control rooms and help desks throughout the district to assist residents and travelers, especially in isolated areas. Families of those missing have been urged to reach out to the District Control Room at the provided contact numbers.

Rescue operations are actively taking place in Chesoti, Tehsil Atholi, District Kishtwar. The Director General of Police for Jammu and Kashmir, Nalin Prabhat, is personally overseeing the situation on-site. Local MLA and Leader of Opposition, Sunil Kumar Sharma, noted that the incident occurred around 11 a.m. and highlighted the overwhelming number of devotees participating in the Machail Mata Yatra. He expressed concern over the significant loss of life, stating, "42 bodies have been recovered. This is a major disaster. I hope that if the weather permits, helicopter rescue operations can commence tomorrow."

Dr. Yudhvir Singh Kotwal, the Medical Superintendent at District Hospital Kishtwar, reported that the hospital has treated 88 patients thus far, with 36 referred to GMC Jammu. He mentioned that two deceased individuals brought to the hospital are still awaiting identification. One survivor, Vishal Mehra, who traveled from Jammu for the pilgrimage, recounted the chaos: "We were returning after the darshan and had stopped at Chesoti. A part of our group was slightly behind. We were having tea when Army personnel urged us to flee. We hurried, but got caught in the debris." He added, "My sister and nephew are missing. It felt like a sudden explosion, and we couldn't react in time. When the cloudburst occurred, I was swept away and trapped under a car, while my mother was pinned beneath an electricity pole. The administration responded swiftly, and vehicles from the Army and CRPF arrived promptly."