Tragic Cloudburst in Kishtwar: Death Toll Rises to 56 with Hundreds Missing
Devastating Cloudburst Hits Kishtwar
Kishtwar, Aug 15: Following a catastrophic cloudburst that struck Chashoti village near the Machail Mata Shrine, the death toll has tragically reached 56, which includes two personnel from the CISF. Over 250 individuals are still unaccounted for, while more than 300 have been rescued, many suffering from severe injuries as rescue operations continue.
The cloudburst occurred around 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, triggering flash floods that obliterated temporary structures, a community kitchen catering to nearly 200 pilgrims, and various security installations. The destruction of tents and makeshift shelters has led authorities to suspend the annual Machail Mata Yatra indefinitely.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached out to Jammu and Kashmir's Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, offering full support during this crisis.
In a message on social media, Abdullah expressed gratitude for the Prime Minister's assistance, stating, “I just received a call from Hon PM @narendramodi Sb… My government & the people hit by this tragic cloudburst are grateful for his support & all the assistance provided by the Union Government.”
Union Minister Jitendra Singh has cautioned about the potential for “substantial casualties,” noting that rescue teams from various agencies, including the Civil Administration, Police, Army, NDRF, and SDRF, are actively engaged in the area. However, adverse weather conditions and damaged roads are hindering air operations, necessitating ground-based rescue efforts.
Medical resources have been significantly enhanced, with 13 doctors, 31 paramedics, and specialized teams dispatched to Sub-District Hospital Paddar, District Hospital Kishtwar, and Government Medical College Jammu, which is equipped with 50 disaster beds, 20 ventilator beds, and five operating theaters. Additionally, over 200 units of blood have been prepared, and PGIMER Chandigarh has sent specialists in critical care and neurosurgery to bolster emergency services.
A total of 65 ambulances from various organizations, including the Army, CRPF, NHPC, and the 108 Emergency Service, are transporting injured individuals. Control rooms and helplines remain operational as rescuers, supported by volunteers, continue to search the riverbanks downstream from the disaster site. Officials are concerned that the death toll may increase as many regions remain isolated.