Kishtwar Tragedy: Chilling Video Shows Moment Cloudburst Triggered Flash Floods In J&K
A chilling video has emerged capturing the moment a deadly cloudburst struck a remote village in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar, unleashing flash floods that tore through the area within seconds.
The footage shows a sudden surge of muddy, debris-laden water roaring down the valley, sweeping away everything in its path. The sheer force of the torrent is accompanied by panicked shouts from residents, many of whom scramble to higher ground in a desperate bid to escape.
Rescue operations are currently underway, and officials fear the death toll may rise as efforts continue. As of now, at least 46 people are feared dead. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident and extended his condolences to the affected families.
Watch the terrifying moment when the deadly cloudburst triggered flash floods in Kishtwar's remote village. #kishtwarcloudburst pic.twitter.com/EedXABKdDP — Ieshan Wani (@Ieshan_W) August 14, 2025
Authorities have scaled down Independence Day celebrations across Jammu and Kashmir in light of the tragedy, as rescue efforts continue under challenging weather conditions.
According to the weather department, situated in the higher reaches, the exact rainfall in the area is still unknown. 'It is difficult to confirm if it was a cloudburst, as the affected village is situated at a high altitude. We have only two Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) in this area, one of which is in Kishtwar town, far from the affected village. Both recorded less than 3 mm of rain on Thursday," said a senior meteorologist from IMD Srinagar.
Local residents said the cloudburst struck between noon and 1 pm, with the bulk of pilgrims gathered at Chasoti, which is also the last motorable point before the Kali Mata temple, located at 2,880 metres.
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