Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday spoke with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha in the aftermath of a devastating cloudburst in the Kishtwar district. The Prime Minister reviewed the situation and assured full support to the Union Territory in managing relief and rescue operations, according to officials quoted by news agency PTI.
The tragedy unfolded on Thursday when a massive cloudburst over Chisoti village in Kishtwar triggered flash floods, mudslides, and debris flows. The disaster in Jammu and Kashmir struck between 12 noon and 1 p.m., catching residents and pilgrims off guard. The village (Jammu and Kashmir), serving as a base camp for the annual Machail Mata Yatra, was bustling with devotees when the sudden deluge swept through.
Scale of Destruction (Jammu and Kashmir)
At least 60 people have been confirmed dead in Jammu and Kashmir disaster, with more than 100 injured. Officials warned the toll may rise as many remain trapped under debris. Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah claimed that over 500 people could still be buried beneath the wreckage. The surging waters swept away houses, shops, and vehicles, while mudslides engulfed large portions of the village.
Among the damaged structures was a community kitchen (langar) set up for pilgrims, which was completely washed away. A security camp and several vehicles parked at the bus stand — the starting point for the trek to the Machail Mata temple — were also destroyed. In a rare stroke of luck, a temple in the middle of the flooded area survived the onslaught.
The force of the flash floods left several vehicles mangled and half-buried in sludge. Rescue teams reported that many areas remained inaccessible due to debris blocking approach roads, complicating relief efforts.
Rescue and Recovery Efforts
Authorities have so far retrieved 45 bodies from the flood-hit zone. Of these, 21 have been identified by family members through photographs circulated in a dedicated WhatsApp group. Officials explained that this method was necessary as many survivors are scattered, with communication cut off after power lines were downed.
Over 160 people have been rescued to date, though the condition of 38 is described as critical. Search operations are ongoing, with rescuers digging through layers of mud and debris in hopes of finding survivors. Villagers reported seeing at least 10 bodies floating in the Chenab river downstream, prompting further retrieval efforts.
Two villages — Machail and Hamori — lie beyond the affected stretch. Hundreds of residents there are believed to be stranded, their mobile phone batteries dead due to the prolonged power outage. Officials hope that once contact is re-established, they will be able to confirm the safety of those communities.
Since its establishment, the help desk has received numerous calls from people trying to locate missing relatives. Officials said that 67 individuals have been reported missing so far, and efforts are underway to trace them.
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National Response
Prime Minister Modi’s direct engagement with Chief Minister Abdullah and LG Sinha underscores the gravity of the disaster. “He took stock of the situation and promised all possible help,” officials noted. Relief materials, medical aid, and rescue teams from multiple agencies, including the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), are in the region to assist with ongoing operations.
Former CM Farooq Abdullah urged authorities to intensify search efforts and provide immediate relief to the displaced, stressing that the actual human toll may be far higher than current estimates.
The Kishtwar cloudburst is the latest in a series of extreme weather events to hit the region in recent years, highlighting the vulnerability of mountainous communities to sudden, high-intensity rainfall. Rescue teams warn that unstable slopes and the possibility of further rainfall continue to pose risks to both survivors and aid workers.
Help Desk for Missing Persons (Jammu and Kashmir)
In response to the disaster, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has set up a control room-cum-help desk in Paddar, around 15 km from Chisoti. Staffed by five officials, the desk is serving as a point of contact for distressed families and pilgrims. The helpline numbers are: 9858223125, 6006701934, 9797504078, 8492886895, 8493801381, and 7006463710.
As relief and recovery efforts continue, officials are calling for patience from the public, noting the challenges of operating in such rugged terrain under severe weather conditions.
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