Cloudburst kills over 2 dozen in J&K’s Kishtwar; massive rescue underway in remote Chasoti village

A massive cloudburst tore through Chasoti village in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district on August 14, triggering flash floods that have killed over two dozen people and left many missing.

The disaster struck between 12 noon and 1 pm in Chasoti — the last motorable point on the pilgrimage route to the Machail Mata temple — when large numbers of yatris had gathered. Torrents of water and debris swept through the narrow mountain valley, leaving a trail of destruction.

Rescue and relief in full swing

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed teams to the site, while the Union Territory administration has set up a control room-cum-help desk to coordinate aid for residents and pilgrims. District and police helpline numbers have been released, and medical teams are on standby.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said he had spoken to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, assuring them of “all possible assistance.” Shah added that the situation is being closely monitored in Delhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed solidarity with the victims, writing on X:

“My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the cloudburst and flooding in Kishtwar. The situation is being monitored closely. Rescue and relief operations are underway. Every possible assistance will be provided to those in need.”

Leaders urge caution as relief efforts intensify

J&K National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah called the incident “very unfortunate,” noting that such disasters have become alarmingly frequent in mountain regions.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said resources are being mobilised from both within and beyond J&K, but warned that confirmed details from the disaster zone are arriving slowly. “The news is grim,” he said, urging the media to rely on verified government updates.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh confirmed he had spoken to Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Sharma, and that rescue, medical, and damage assessment measures were already in motion.