Kishtwar cloudburst claims over 40 lives, survivors recount chaos as rescue ops continue near Machail Mata Shrine in J&K

Time of India

12 hours ago

At least 45 people, including two CISF personnel, have died after a massive cloudburst triggered flash floods in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district on Thursday. The incident occurred near the Machail Mata Shrine in Chesoti village, a stopover for pilgrims before the uphill trek to the shrine. Authorities say more casualties are likely as rescue teams continue to search for missing people.
Rescue operations and official response
Additional SP Pardeep Singh confirmed that 45 bodies have been recovered, with over 100 people injured and many still missing. 'Around 8–10 deceased have been identified. The identification process is ongoing,' he said. Personnel from the J&K Police, SDRF, Fire Services, CISF, CRPF, and the Army are involved in the operation, working alongside local residents and ambulance teams. The Indian Army's 16 Corps has deployed troops to assist, with 80 people already brought to safety. DGP J&K Police Nalin Prabhat is monitoring the operations on-site.
Eyewitness accounts from pilgrims
Many of those affected were pilgrims visiting the Machail Mata Shrine. Survivors describe the cloudburst as sudden and overwhelming. Putul Devi, who lost several family members, recalled hearing a 'blast-like sound' before chaos erupted. 'We just started running,' she said, adding that her husband and three children remain missing. Sanjay Kumar, who was serving food at a community kitchen, recounted how the drain beside the building filled instantly with sludge, forcing everyone to flee. He was trapped under debris before being rescued by security personnel stationed at the shrine.
A massive cloudburst has struck the Chishoti area in Jammu & Kashmir's Kishtwar, along the route to the Machail Mata Yatra.As per initial reports heavy losses are feared.Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and all those affected by this calamity. pic.twitter.com/fFP4860Gty
Coordination between centre and state
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has directed civil and security agencies to scale up relief and rescue work, and has spoken to Home Minister Amit Shah, who assured full support. Union Minister Jitendra Singh said the incident 'could result in substantial casualties' and is expected to visit the site, weather permitting. The NDRF has reported that only one earthmover is available for clearing debris, complicating search efforts. Officials estimate that as many as 100–200 people could still be trapped.
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