Kishtwar, Jammu & Kashmir – A devastating cloudburst in Chishoti village, Kishtwar district, has claimed at least 62 lives, left 125 injured, and hundreds missing. The disaster, which struck suddenly, has triggered one of the largest multi-agency rescue operations in recent memory, with the Indian Air Force (IAF) now actively engaged in relief and evacuation efforts.
Indian Air Force Mobilizes for Relief Mission
According to defense sources, the IAF has deployed two Mi-17 helicopters and one Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), stationed at Jammu and Udhampur, to transport relief supplies, evacuate stranded pilgrims, and assist National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams.
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh revealed via social media that he had attempted to reach the disaster site by air. However, severe weather conditions and difficult terrain forced the helicopter to return after an hour-long flight. Determined to oversee relief efforts personally, he immediately began the journey by road to reach Chishoti.
Political Leaders React to the Catastrophe
National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah expressed grave concern, stating that over 500 people may still be trapped under debris. He called for urgent reinforcement of rescue teams and heavy machinery to expedite operations.
Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah confirmed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi that 60 people had already lost their lives and more than 100 were injured. The PM personally called the CM to express condolences and assured full central assistance.
Massive Rescue Efforts Underway
NDRF teams, in coordination with local administration, police, army, CRPF, and civil volunteers, are working around the clock. Two specialized NDRF units have been deployed, equipped with life detectors, search cameras, and medical aid kits.
Rescue workers report significant challenges due to landslides, continuous rainfall, and lack of heavy excavation equipment. Currently, only one JCB machine is operational, severely slowing the process of removing debris to locate survivors.
Key Rescue Statistics So Far:
167 people rescued
38 critically injured evacuated to hospitals
200 people still missing
Multiple pilgrims from Machail Mata Yatra among casualties
2 CISF personnel confirmed dead
Eyewitness Accounts Paint a Grim Picture
Survivors describe the cloudburst as a sudden, deafening explosion of water and debris.
One resident said, “We heard a blast-like sound, and within minutes, the area was engulfed in nearly four feet of sludge and rocks. We managed to save some, but many were buried instantly.”
A pilgrim woman recounted how she was trapped under a car, while her mother was pinned beneath an electric pole. Both were rescued after hours by army and CRPF personnel.
Another survivor shared, “I was stranded in floodwaters when a policeman pulled me out. My sister is still missing.”
Impact on Pilgrimage and Local Communities
The Machail Mata Yatra, a major annual pilgrimage attracting thousands of devotees, has been suspended indefinitely. Authorities are working to move pilgrims to designated safe zones, with community halls and schools converted into temporary shelters.
Local markets, schools, and transportation services in Kishtwar remain shut. Communications are partially disrupted due to damage to power lines and roads.
Geographical and Meteorological Challenges
The disaster site lies in steep, remote terrain, making access extremely difficult for ground teams. Continuous rainfall is increasing the risk of further landslides and flash floods, endangering both survivors and rescue workers.
Meteorologists indicate that the cloudburst was caused by intense, localized convection, dumping an unprecedented volume of rain in minutes. With the monsoon season at its peak, further extreme weather events cannot be ruled out in the coming days.
National and State Agencies in Action
Alongside the IAF, the Army has set up medical camps, distributed food and water, and deployed engineering units to clear access routes. SDRF divers are searching riverbanks downstream for bodies and survivors swept away by floodwaters.
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has directed the Home Ministry to coordinate relief material distribution, while the Health Ministry has dispatched medical teams with trauma specialists and emergency supplies.
Casualty Numbers Expected to Rise
Officials warn that the death toll is likely to increase as rescue teams reach previously inaccessible hamlets. Many victims are feared to be buried under layers of mud and boulders, requiring prolonged excavation efforts.
Preliminary reports suggest that several families were wiped out entirely, with homes destroyed beyond recognition. Farmers have reported complete loss of livestock and crops, worsening the humanitarian crisis.
Public Appeals and Helpline Numbers
Authorities have urged citizens to stay away from riverbanks, avoid unnecessary travel in hilly areas, and report missing persons to the following helplines:
J&K Disaster Helpline: +91-194-2457555
NDRF Emergency Line: +91-9711077372
Donations of blankets, dry rations, and medical supplies are being accepted at district collection centers.
Rescue Teams Battle Against Time
Every hour counts in this high-altitude disaster zone. Medical teams are treating cases of hypothermia, trauma, and infections. Helicopters are airlifting the critically injured to hospitals in Jammu and Srinagar, bypassing blocked roadways.
Despite all efforts, weather remains the biggest obstacle. Gusty winds, fog, and relentless rain continue to ground some aerial operations, forcing teams to rely heavily on ground-based rescues.
Government’s Next Steps
The Jammu & Kashmir government has announced ex-gratia compensation for the families of the deceased and free medical treatment for the injured. Long-term rehabilitation plans are being prepared, including:
Reconstruction of damaged homes
Restoration of roads, bridges, and power supply
Psychological counseling for survivors
Strengthening of early warning systems for cloudbursts
A Nation Stands in Solidarity
As news of the tragedy spreads, political leaders, NGOs, and citizens across India have pledged support. Social media campaigns are helping mobilize resources and spread awareness about safety measures during extreme weather events.
The Kishtwar cloudburst stands as a stark reminder of the fragility of life in the Himalayan region, where beauty and danger coexist in equal measure. Rescue teams, armed forces, and local volunteers continue to work against all odds, determined to save as many lives as possible.
For real-time updates, stay tuned to official government channels and verified news sources.
