• By Raju Kumar
  • Thu, 14 Aug 2025 01:19 PM (IST)
  • Source:JND

Kishtwar Cloudburst: A major cloudburst incident took place on Machail Mata Yatra route in Jammu And Kashmir's Kishtwar on Thursday. A langer shed reportedly washed away after flash flood caused by the cloudburst. Initial reports suggested that at least 12 persons have lost their lives. 12 bodies recovered from cloudburst-hit village in Kishtwar area and the toll could go up, said the officials.

Amit Shah Speaks To Omar Abdullah

Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha, offering all support from the Centre.

"Spoke with the LG and Chief Minister of J&K on the cloudburst in Kishtwar district. The local administration is conducting relief and rescue operations. NDRF teams have promptly been rushed to the site. We are closely monitoring the situation and stand firmly with the people of Jammu and Kashmir through every situation. Assured of all possible assistance to the people in need," Shah said in an X post. 

Cloudburst Hits Last Motorable Village En Route To The Shrine

The cloudburst hit Chasoti, the last motorable village en route to the shrine. The annual yatra to the shrine has been suspended following the incident as authorities mobilised all resources and are heading to the scene to conduct a massive rescue and relief operation, the officials said.

Deputy commissioner, Kishtwar, Pankaj Kumar Sharma along with Senior Superintendent of Police Naresh Singh are also on way to the cloudburst-hit area to supervise the rescue operation, the officials said. They said a team of officials led by Sub-divisional magistrate, Padder have reached the scene and so far 10 persons are believed to have died in the cloudburst. PTI TAS DV

The cloudburst occurred in Chositi area, which could result in substantial casualty, said the Union Minister, adding that the administration has immediately swung into action and a rescue team has left for the site. 

ALSO READ: Stray Dogs Case: 'Judiciary's Responsibility To Have Courage To...', Check What SC Said In Its Order That Triggered Outrage

"Just now spoke to DC Kishtwar Sh Pankaj Kumar Sharma after receiving an urgent message from LoP #JammuAndKashmir and local MLA Sh Sunil Kumar Sharma. Massive cloud burst in Chositi area, which could result in substantial casualty. Administration has immediately swung into action, rescue team has left for the site. Damage evaluation and, necessary rescue and medical management arrangements being made. My office receiving regular updates, all possible assistance will be provided," Union Minister Jitendra Singh posted on X.

J&K LG Orders Quick Rescue Operation

Reacting to the cloudburst incident, the Jammu And Kashmir LG said he directed civil, police, Army, NDRF and SDRF officials to launch rescue operations in Chositi.

"Anguished by cloudburst in Chositi Kishtwar. Condolences to bereaved families & prayers for quick recovery of injured. Directed Civil, Police, Army, NDRF & SDRF officials to strengthen the rescue & relief operations and ensure all possible assistance is provided to the affected," the J-K LG said in an X post.

Uttarakhand cloudburst: Half Of Dharali Buried Under Mudslide

The cloudburst in Jammu and Kashmir comes days after the Uttarakhand disaster, in which a similar calamity took place on August 5, prompting massive rescue operations. Several people went missing after a flash flood struck Dharali, an ecologically fragile region in Uttarakhand, following the cloudburst on Tuesday afternoon. Officials said nearly half of Dharali was buried under a massive mudslide of slush, debris, and water. The village is a key stop on the route to Gangotri, the origin of the Ganga, and hosts several hotels and homestays.

(With agencies inputs)