46 dead as massive cloudburst hits J-K's Kishtwar

A massive cloudburst struck a remote mountain village in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district on Thursday, killing at least 46 people and trapping many more, officials said.

As night fell over Chositi village, rescuers worked frantically and pulled out 167 people from under mounds of rubble. Of these, 38 are in a serious condition, officials said. The death toll went up steadily as the day progressed and there were fears it could rise further.

The disaster struck Chositi, the last motorable village en route to Machail Mata temple, between noon and 1 pm, when a large number of people had gathered for the Machail Mata yatra, which commenced on July 25 and was scheduled to end on September 5. The 8.5 kilometre trek to the 9,500-feet-high shrine begins from Chositi.

Chositi is about 90 kilometres from Kishtwar town. A 'langar' (community kitchen) set up for the devotees here bore the brunt of the cloudburst, which led to flash floods and washed away several structures including shops and a security outpost.

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir to take stock of the situation and assured them all possible help needed by the people.

Shah also said that the local administration is conducting relief and rescue operations and teams of the National Disaster Response Force have rushed to the site.

The Home Minister said the Central Government is closely monitoring the situation and stand firmly with the people of Jammu and Kashmir through every situation. "Assured of all possible assistance to the people in need," he said.

The annual yatra to the Machail Mata shrine was suspended following the tragedy as the authorities mobilised all resources for rescue operations at Chositi, officials said.

"A massive cloudburst in Chositi area, which could result in substantial casualty. Administration has immediately swung into action, rescue team has left for the site," Union Minister Jitendra Singh said in a post on X. He said he also spoke to Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Pankaj Kumar Sharma on the matter.

Two teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been rushed from Udhampur to Kishtwar.

"Massive rescue operations have been started in the area," said the deputy commissioner, who was on way to the spot.

Officials added that the flashfloods hit several houses clustered together in the foothills.

Lt Governor Manoj Sinha condoled the loss of lives in the incident.

"Anguished by cloudburst in Chositi Kishtwar. Condolences to bereaved families & prayers for quick recovery of injured. Directed Civil, Police, Army, NDRF & SDRF officials to strengthen the rescue & relief operations and ensure all possible assistance is provided to the affected," he said on X.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah briefed Union Home Minister Amit Shah about the situation. He said the news is "grim and accurate and verified information is slow in arriving".

"I just spoke to the Union Home Minister @AmitShah Sb to brief him about the developing situation in Kishtwar region of Jammu. The news is grim & accurate, verified information from the area hit by the cloud burst is slow in arriving. All possible resources are being mobilised from within and beyond J&K to manage the rescue operations," the chief minister said in a post on X.

Leader of Opposition  Sunil Kumar Sharma said he had received information from his workers that a massive cloudburst has occurred. "At the moment, I don't think anyone has exact figures but I believe there could be significant damage in the area", he said, adding that there were a lot of people gathered for the yatra.

Former chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad also expressed grief over the incident.

"Deeply saddened by the cloudburst in Chositi, Kishtwar. Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured. Urge the govt to immediately carry out rescue & relief operations and ensure all possible assistance and treatment for those affected,” he said in a post on X.

Officials said it could take up to 20 days for rescue, relief, and recovery operations. — with PTI