Search operations intensify in Kishtwar, 33 still missing

The death toll in the Kishtwar cloudburst tragedy has risen to 65, with at least 33 people still missing since the disaster struck on August 14.

The flash flood, triggered by the cloudburst at Chositi village in Kishtwar, swept away scores of people. While 65 bodies have been recovered from the site and downstream areas, 33 victims remain untraced. Officials fear the toll may rise further once the bodies are recovered.

The cloudburst brought with it heavy boulders and muck, which caused most of the casualties. Pilgrims gathered at a community kitchen near a stream were struck by the boulders rushing downstream. Several bodies were found mutilated, reflecting the ferocity of the floodwaters.

The police earlier appealed to families to provide details of missing relatives to help maintain records.

According to local sources, the Army, NDRF, SDRF and other agencies are continuing search operations. JCB machines are being used to clear heavy debris, but rescuers suspect that many bodies are buried deep beneath the surface. Some were recovered downstream after being carried away by the torrent.

“Even sniffer dogs are being deployed, but the thick muck and boulders make locating the bodies extremely difficult,” sources said.

As many victims are unidentifiable, DNA testing has been initiated. Bodies that could be identified have been handed over to families for last rites.

Authorities have intensified search operations ahead of forecast heavy rain from August 23 to 26, with the region already reeling under fresh flooding in recent days.