J&K: 23 Dead, 75 Injured in Massive Cloudburst in Kishtwar

Jammu — At least 23 people have been confirmed dead and 75 others injured after a massive cloudburst struck Chositi village in the Padder Sub-division of Kishtwar on Thursday.

According to officials, the injured are being moved to hospitals, with helicopters deployed to assist in the evacuation. A large-scale joint rescue operation is currently underway in the area.

Minister of State (PMO) Jitendra Singh confirmed the incident, stating that rescue operations had already begun. He said teams have been dispatched to assess damage and provide medical and rescue assistance, adding that his office is receiving regular updates and will extend every possible support to the affected people.

J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed grief over the tragedy on X, writing, “Anguished by the cloudburst in Chositi Kishtwar. Condolences to the bereaved families & prayers for the quick recovery of the injured. Directed Civil, Police, Army, NDRF & SDRF officials to strengthen rescue & relief operations and ensure all possible assistance is provided.”

Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah posted on X that he had spoken to Union Home Minister Amit Shah about the situation. “The news is grim & verified information from the area hit by the cloudburst is slow in arriving. All possible resources are being mobilised from within & beyond J&K to manage rescue operations. I’m not going to be speaking to channels or news agencies,” he said, adding that updates would be shared as available.

Leader of the Opposition in the J&K Assembly, Sunil Sharma of the BJP, along with the Deputy Commissioner and SSP of Kishtwar, have gone to the affected site to lead rescue efforts. Sharma said the cloudburst occurred near the last vehicle parking point and several temporary shops set up for the Shri Machail Yatra. He confirmed that the NDRF and other agencies are engaged in large-scale rescue and relief work.

According to the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Kishtwar, the Machail Yatra has been suspended until further notice. Officials have urged people not to panic, assuring that all available resources, including SDRF, the Red Cross, and other government agencies, are on the ground.

The region lies in a communication shadow zone, making connectivity difficult. While unconfirmed reports suggest significant structural damage, authorities are still assessing the extent of destruction. Locals say that heavy rains, poor road access, and the remoteness of the area are slowing rescue and relief efforts.

With inputs from IANS