Kishtwar cloudburst death toll rises to 60; Rescue operations in full swing

Rescue operations are underway at cloudburst-triggered areas, in Kishtwar on Friday.
| Photo Credit:
ANI

Death toll from the massive cloudburst in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir, has climbed to 60 as large-scale rescue operations continue at full throttle.

Official said that at least 60 bodies had been retrieved from the devastated site and the search for missing people was underway.

Over 100 persons have been injured.

Army jawans search for bodies after the cloudburst at a Chaoshti village in Kishtwar district
| Photo Credit: IMRAN NISSAR

On Thursday, around 12.30 pm, a massive cloud burst tore through remote Chositi village when hundreds of pilgrims had gathered there to begin a trek to the Machail Mata temple in the Chinab Valley’s Paddar area in district Kishtwar. 

The cloud burst, triggered flash floods and washed away tents and stalls set up for yatris and swelled streams in the area.

The Chinab river and other streams in the area have risen sharply due to the cloud burst and heavy rains over the last few days.

A senior official told businessline that seven dead bodies recovered from the area were the residents of Paddar Valley.

He said that 6 to 7 people from the area were reported to be missing. 

“Of the 60 dead, 34 bodies have been identified and are being handed over their families”, added the official.

Rescue operation 

“The locals were the first responders. They rescued many injured and helped them to ferry them to neighbouring hospitals”, a survivor from Jammu , who lost her sister told reporters. 

Following the disaster, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams, along with the army, police and local residents, have been searching for missing people.

“The operation was halted during the night and was resumed early in the morning”, official said.

CM briefed PM

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday said he has briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the situation.

“I just received a call from Hon PM @narendramodi Sb. I briefed him about the situation in Kishtwar & the steps being taken by the administration. My government & the people hit by this tragic cloudburst are grateful for his support & all the assistance provided by the Union Government” Abdullah posted on X. 

Published on August 15, 2025