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The Hindu
2 hours ago
- Climate
- The Hindu
Search intensifies for survivors in cloudburst-hit village in J-K's Kishtwar
Despite rains, the rescue and relief operations resumed early Friday after a night-long pause to look for survivors feared trapped under rubble and mud in the cloudburst-hit village in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. Several earth-movers requisitioned by the district administration have joined the operation to move giant boulders, uprooted trees, and electricity poles to speed up the rescue and relief operation, the officials said. Disaster struck Chositi, the last motorable village on the way to Machail Mata temple, around 12.25 pm on Thursday, leaving 46 people, including two CISF personnel, dead. A large number of people had gathered there for the annual Machail Mata yatra that began on July 25 and was scheduled to end on September 5. The 8.5 km trek to the 9,500-feet shrine begins from Chositi, which is about 90 km from Kishtwar town. The yatra remained suspended for the second day on Friday. So far, 167 people have been rescued in injured condition, while 69 are reported missing by their relatives. Many more are believed to be trapped following the deluge, which flattened a makeshift market, a langar (community kitchen) site for the yatra, and a security outpost. At least 16 residential houses and government buildings, three temples, four water mills, and a 30-metre span bridge, besides over a dozen vehicles, were damaged in the flash floods in Chositi and downstream, the officials said. The rescue and relief operation was suspended late Thursday night and was started with the first light of the day, despite the rains, with rescuers comprising police, army, NDRF, SDRF personnel, and local volunteers sifting through the rubble to find survivors. Videos showed torrents of muddy water, silt, and rubble tearing through the steep slopes, destroying everything in the way. Houses folded over like a pack of cards, rocks came tumbling down, blocking roads and rescue paths, the mudslide turning the verdant landscape to a grim brown-grey. Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Sharma, along with Senior Superintendent of Police, Kishtwar, Naresh Singh, are camping in the area to oversee the multi-agency operation on the ground. The death toll went up steadily on Thursday as the day progressed, and there were fears it could rise further. The fragile Himalayan slopes faced disaster just nine days after flash floods wreaked havoc in Dharali village of Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi district. Though only one person is confirmed dead, 68 people are still reported missing.
India.com
11 hours ago
- Climate
- India.com
Multiple Cloudbursts Hit Jammu And Kashmir, Ladakh; Kishtwar Worst Affected
Jammu and Kashmir witnessed multiple cloudbursts on Thursday. The massive one was in Chashoti in Kashmir, followed by Frislan and Batkoo in Pahalgam, Rayil Gund in Ganderbal district, Bodhkharbu and Hinaskote (Kargil District), and Lamayuru (Leh District). Among the six cloudbursts that happened on Thursday, the most drastic was the one in Chashoti village of Paddar constituency of Kishtwar district, which caused widespread devastation. The cloudburst occurred in Chashoti, a remote village in the Paddar sub-division of Kishtwar, approximately 90 km from Kishtwar town. It struck at 1:17 PM during the annual Machail Mata Yatra, a pilgrimage to the Machail Mata temple located at 9,500 feet. Chashoti serves as the last motorable point before an 8.5-km trek to the shrine, making it a busy hub for pilgrims. At Chashoti, it is a base camp for pilgrims, and a huge langar for shelter and food is provided in the camp. Cloudbursts Impact The impact was so massive that the cloudburst triggered flash floods that washed away roads, shops, eateries, a security post, and a community kitchen (langar) set up for pilgrims. Several houses in the densely packed hamlet at the foothills were severely damaged, with mud, rocks, and debris covering large areas near residential zones. Visuals from the site show roads buried under boulders and slush, complicating access. Kishtwar Cloudburst Casualty The actual number of casualties is not clear yet; however, reports indicate a death toll of 34–36, which may rise as many are still missing. Around 120 injured have been rescued so far, many of them critically injured, besides many still said to be missing. The exact number of casualties is still being verified due to the remote location and disrupted communication lines. The high number of pilgrims present for the yatra likely contributed to the significant loss of life. Rescue Ops On A multi-agency rescue operation has been launched involving the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). Two teams were dispatched from Udhampur to Chashoti. State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, army, and local volunteers are assisting in operations. Red Cross personnel and civil administration officials are also on-site. Besides them, soldiers of the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and other paramilitary forces are involved in the rescue operation. Helicopters have been mobilized to airlift stranded individuals and deliver supplies, though the rugged terrain and damaged infrastructure pose challenges. Dedicated Control Room-Cum-Help Desk Kishtwar Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Sharma and Senior Superintendent of Police Naresh Singh are personally supervising operations. A dedicated control room-cum-help desk has been set up in Paddar, approximately 15 km from Chashoti. Helpline numbers include: Paddar control room: 9858223125, 6006701934, 9797504078, 8492886895, 8493801381, 7006463710. District control room: 01995-259555, 9484217492 Police control room: 9906154100 Authorities estimate that rescue, relief, and recovery efforts could take more than two weeks, given the scale of destruction and logistical difficulties in the steep mountain area. Political Reaction Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, assuring full support. NDRF teams were promptly dispatched, and the situation is being closely monitored. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed condolences and directed civil, police, army, NDRF, and SDRF officials to strengthen rescue efforts and provide all possible assistance to affected families. They prayed for the quick recovery of the injured. Leader of Opposition and MLA Paddar Sunil Kumar Sharma reached Kishtwar and said the scale of the disaster is very huge and there are obstacles in the rescue because of the area's congestion due to the ongoing yatra and steep mountain valley. He said, 'I spoke with Lieutenant Governor Sinha and Minister Jitendra Singh, and I am en route to Chashoti to oversee rescue operations.' Machail Mata Yatra The Machail Mata Yatra, a significant religious event, attracts thousands of devotees, leading to congestion in Chashoti. The cloudburst struck during peak pilgrimage activity, increasing the disaster's impact. The Machail Mata Yatra has been suspended indefinitely to prioritize rescue and relief efforts. Visuals from the site show extensive damage, with roads washed away, debris scattered, and homes filled with mud. The administration is focusing on restoring connectivity, clearing debris, and providing medical care and supplies to survivors. Multiple Cloudbursts, Flash Floods Incident Reported Besides Kishtwar, multiple cloudbursts and flash floods were reported in other parts of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh today. Pahalgam (Anantnag District): Flash floods struck Frislan and Batkoot areas of Pahalgam, damaging roads and local infrastructure. No casualties were reported, but the floods disrupted connectivity and affected local communities. Ganderbal: The cloudburst occurred in the upper reaches of Rayil Gund, Ganderbal district, with flash floods reported in areas like Kangan, Ari Gooripora, and Check Akhal Kangan. No casualties were reported. Bodhkharbu and Hinaskote (Kargil District): Cloudbursts in these areas caused flash floods, damaging infrastructure but with no reported casualties. The Indian Army's Fire and Fury Corps conducted swift rescue operations, evacuating stranded individuals. Lamayuru (Leh District): A cloudburst triggered flash floods, washing away a bridge and a security post. No casualties were reported, but infrastructure damage was significant. IMD Forecast The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a forecast update predicting moderate to heavy rainfall with brief intense showers, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds across Jammu and Kashmir for the next 24 hours. The IMD warned of potential cloudbursts, flash floods, landslides, and mudslides in vulnerable hilly areas, urging residents to stay alert. Climate Change And Environmental Mismanagement The flash floods in Chashoti and other areas reflect a regional pattern of extreme weather events, with cloudbursts becoming more frequent due to climate change and environmental mismanagement, such as unchecked construction in hilly areas. Uttarakhand August 5 Cloudburst A similar cloudburst-induced flash flood in Uttarakhand's Dharali on August 5, 2025, killed over 70 people, highlighting the growing risk in Himalayan regions. The IMD says that due to global warming and unpredictable weather conditions, Jammu and Kashmir's hilly areas are always at risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods, which refers to a sudden and rapid release of a significant amount of water from a glacial lake and can cause disaster at any time. ALSO READ: Kishtwar cloudburst: Jammu-Kashmir CM Abdullah Cancels 'At Home' Event, Cultural Programmes On Independence Day
Hans India
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Devastating Kishtwar Cloudburst Claims 37 Lives, Injures Over 100 Pilgrims On Machail Mata Yatra Route
A catastrophic cloudburst struck Chositi village in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district on Thursday afternoon, claiming at least 37 lives and injuring more than 100 people, predominantly pilgrims participating in the annual Machail Mata Yatra. The disaster occurred between 12 and 1 pm when hundreds of devotees had assembled at the village, which serves as the final motorable point before the 8.5-kilometer trek to the sacred Machail Mata temple situated at 9,500 feet elevation. Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Sharma confirmed the casualties to media outlets, while Inspector General of Police BS Tuti indicated that the death toll could rise as several individuals remain missing. The natural disaster struck with devastating force, targeting a community kitchen that had been established to serve the pilgrims, causing maximum casualties among those gathered for the religious journey. Rescue teams have successfully evacuated 65 people from the affected area, though operations continue under challenging conditions with heavy rainfall and debris hampering efforts. Among the confirmed casualties is one Central Industrial Security Force officer, with three additional CISF personnel still missing. These security personnel had been deployed for temporary internal security duties during the pilgrimage season. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah immediately contacted Union Home Minister Amit Shah to brief him about the evolving situation and coordinate relief efforts. Abdullah emphasized that verified information from the disaster zone was arriving slowly due to the remote location and difficult terrain. He assured that all available resources from within Jammu and Kashmir and beyond were being mobilized to manage rescue operations effectively. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed profound grief over the incident and directed civil administration, police, army, National Disaster Response Force, and State Disaster Response Force officials to intensify rescue and relief operations. He assured that all possible assistance would be provided to those affected by the tragedy. Union Minister Jitendra Singh, who maintains close contact with the region, spoke directly with the district administration after being alerted by local MLA and Leader of Opposition Sunil Kumar Sharma. Singh confirmed that the administration had immediately responded to the emergency, with rescue teams dispatched to the site and comprehensive damage assessment and medical arrangements being implemented. The cloudburst represents part of a broader pattern of extreme weather events affecting mountainous regions across northern India during the current monsoon season. Heavy rainfall has triggered multiple incidents of cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides, causing significant loss of life and property damage throughout the Himalayan regions. Similar weather-related disasters have recently occurred in neighboring Uttarakhand, where cloudbursts and landslides have disrupted transportation networks and caused substantial destruction. The Uttarkashi region experienced severe flooding on August 5, leading to mass destruction in Dharali and Harsil villages, prompting authorities to reconstruct critical infrastructure to facilitate relief operations. Himachal Pradesh has also been severely impacted by the monsoon fury, with 396 roads closed due to cloudbursts and flash floods affecting multiple districts including Shimla, Kullu, Kinnaur, and Lahaul and Spiti. The meteorological department has issued yellow alerts warning of continued heavy rainfall in isolated areas until August 20. The Machail Mata Yatra attracts thousands of devotees annually who undertake the challenging journey to seek blessings at the high-altitude shrine. The pilgrimage route passes through difficult terrain, making rescue and relief operations particularly challenging during adverse weather conditions. Local authorities continue coordinating with multiple agencies to ensure comprehensive rescue coverage and medical assistance for the injured. The incident highlights the vulnerability of pilgrimage routes in mountainous regions during monsoon seasons and underscores the need for enhanced early warning systems and emergency preparedness measures. The tragedy has prompted renewed discussions about implementing better safety protocols for religious gatherings in disaster-prone areas, particularly during monsoon periods when the risk of sudden weather events remains elevated in the Himalayan regions.
Hindustan Times
14 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Machail Mata yatris were gathered for langar when flash floods hit: What we know on disaster after Kishtwar cloudburst
Large groups of pilgrims were gathered at Chasoti village in J&K's Kishtwar, a key stop on the pilgrimage to the Hindu shrine Machail Mata Mandir, and collecting food from a langar (community kitchen) when flash floods washed them away on Thursday. A survivor of the flash floods that occurred by the banks of the Chashoti Nullah following a cloudburst in Kishtwar on Thursday. (ANI Video Grab ) Triggered reportedly by a cloudburst, the flash floods claimed at least 37 lives, deputy commissioner Pankaj Kumar Sharma told HT. More than 100 people are injured, while more than 60 have so far been rescued, officials added. The death toll is likely to rise as rescue efforts are hindered by continuous rain. The disaster took place by the banks of Chishoti Nullah, a rivulet, a stopover on the popular pilgrimage route to the temple in Padder area. The pilgrimage began on July 25 this year, and over 130,000 (1.3 lakh) pilgrims have already paid obeisance. 'The deluge hit a community kitchen set up for the pilgrims where 100 to 150 pilgrims were having food,' an officer said.
Khaleej Times
15 hours ago
- Climate
- Khaleej Times
Video: Cloudburst, flood kills 34 in Indian Kashmir mountain village
Powerful torrents driven by intense rain smashed into a Himalayan mountain village in Indian-administered Kashmir and killed at least 34 people on Thursday, a top local government official told AFP. It is the second major deadly flooding disaster in India this month. Crowds gathered at a Kishtwar hospital while people carried some of the injured on stretchers. "We have found 34 dead bodies and rescued 35 injured people," said Pankaj Kumar Sharma, district commissioner of Kishtwar. "There are chances of more dead bodies being found," he told AFP. #WATCH | J&K: Various areas of the Kangan subdivision hit by flash floods. More details awaited. — ANI (@ANI) August 14, 2025 Sushil Kumar, a resident of nearby Atholi village, told AFP: "I saw at least 15 dead bodies brought to the local hospital." Rescue teams are likely to face difficulty reaching the area. Roads had already been damaged by days of heavy storms. The area lies more than 200km (125 miles) by road from the region's main city Srinagar. "Every possible assistance will be provided to those in need," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said. Floods on August 5 swept away the Himalayan town of Dharali in India's Uttarakhand state and buried it in mud. The likely death toll from that disaster is more than 70 but has yet to be confirmed. Floods and landslides are common during the monsoon season from June to September, but experts say climate change, coupled with poorly planned development, is increasing their frequency and severity. The UN's World Meteorological Organisation said last year that increasingly intense floods and droughts are a "distress signal" of what is to come as climate change makes the planet's water cycle ever more unpredictable.
