Kishtwar Cloudburst Update: Rescue Operations Underway

Kishtwar Cloudburst Update : Rescue Operations Underway

Dil Bar Irshad | August 14, 2025 | Breaking News, Jammu Kashmir & Ladakh | Follow on Google News

Kishtwar Cloudburst Update : Rescue Operations Underway

Amid heavy rains in Jammu and Kashmir, a massive cloudburst incident has been reported from a remote area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district on Thursday

As per reports, a massive cloudburst struck a remote village, Chashoti, which is situated at an altitude of 9,500 feet above sea level. This village is the last motorable village on the way to the Machail Mata Temple, where this horrible cloudburst struck.

Reports say around 12 bodies have been recovered, and authorities have hinted that the casualty number could go higher as well. Reports further say that before the brunt of the cloudburst, a langar for devotees was set up.

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Soon after the news broke, the rescue team started moving towards the site, including NDRF, SDRF, locals, and helping hands. Nearly two teams of NDRF have been rushed to Kishtwar from Udhampur. After this cloudburst incident, the annual yatra has been suspended till further notice.

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh said SDRF and NDRF support is being utilised.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh tweeted: “Kishtwar Update: Just now received a call from LoP J&K and local MLA Sunil Kumar Sharma. Also spoke to CM Omar Abdullah. The additional rescue teams are finding it difficult to reach the site of the cloudburst, yet they are trying despite all the constraints. The road has been washed off and the weather is not helicopter-worthy. Meanwhile, SDRF and NDRF support is being mobilised… While I am coordinating with the Central authorities, I have also made a request to allow me to travel if, by any chance, the Air Force authorities could try a helicopter sortie,” says the Union Minister.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, via an X post, stated:
“I just spoke to the Union Home Minister @AmitShah Sb to brief him about the developing situation in the Kishtwar region of Jammu. The news is grim and accurate, verified information from the area hit by the cloudburst is slow in arriving. All possible resources are being mobilised from within and beyond J&K to manage the rescue operations. I’m not going to be speaking to channels or news agencies. The government will share information as and when possible,”
reads Omar’s tweet.

Meanwhile, MLA Paddar-Nagseni, who is also the Leader of Opposition in the J&K Assembly, via an X post, said efforts are underway.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted:
“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.”

“Deeply distressed to learn about the devastating cloudburst in the Chositi area of Padder, which may lead to significant loss of life. I have just spoken with LG @manojsinha_ Ji and @DrJitendraSingh Ji to assess the situation. NDRF teams and helicopters are being mobilised to the site at the earliest. Efforts are underway to evaluate the damage and coordinate rescue and medical operations. I am en route to the location to personally oversee the response and ensure that all necessary measures are taken,” says MLA Sunil Sharma.

Former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad urges the government to carry out rescue and relief operations and ensure possible treatment for the injured.

Officials further said that it may require 20 days for rescue, relief, and recovery operations.