What Happened in the Kishtwar Tragedy? 56 Bodies Recovered!
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Synopsis
The ongoing search for the missing following the Kishtwar cloudburst tragedy intensifies, with 56 confirmed dead and over 300 rescued. Prime Minister Modi assures support for the affected community, while rescue operations face challenges due to adverse weather conditions. Discover the full scope of this tragic event and the ongoing efforts to aid those impacted.
Key Takeaways
- 56 bodies have been recovered so far.
- Over 300 individuals rescued from the disaster.
- Prime Minister Modi has pledged assistance for the victims.
- Rescue operations are ongoing despite adverse weather conditions.
- Machail Mata Yatra has been suspended.
Jammu, Aug 15 (NationPress) A total of 56 bodies have been recovered thus far, with over 300 individuals rescued as Prime Minister Narendra Modi communicated with the J&K Lt Governor and Chief Minister, pledging all necessary support to those impacted by the Kishtwar cloudburst tragedy.
At least 56 people, including two CISF personnel, have been confirmed deceased following a significant cloudburst that hit Chashoti village near the Machail Mata Shrine in Kishtwar district on Thursday.
The debris and flash floods generated by the cloudburst obliterated makeshift structures, a community kitchen, and a security post.
Officials report that over 250 individuals remain unaccounted for while more than 300 have been rescued, many suffering from severe injuries.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated on X today, “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 affected by this tragic cloudburst are thankful for his support & all the assistance provided by the Union Government.”
Union Minister Jitendra Singh remarked that the disaster might lead to considerable casualties and confirmed that the administration has mobilized, deploying rescue teams from the Civil Administration, Police, Army, NDRF, and SDRF. Adverse weather conditions and washed-out roads have hindered air operations, compelling ground teams to handle much of the evacuation.
Witnesses shared that the cloudburst occurred around 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, coinciding with the presence of numerous pilgrims in the final reachable Chashoti village before the high-altitude shrine.
The sudden influx of water annihilated a community kitchen catering to nearly 200 pilgrims and also damaged nearby security installations. Many tents and temporary shelters set up for pilgrims were swept away in the flood.
L-G Manoj Sinha has instructed all agencies to bolster rescue and relief efforts and ensure maximum assistance to those affected.
Control rooms and helplines have been activated to aid in locating missing individuals. The Machail Mata Yatra, which attracts thousands of devotees every August, has been suspended until further notice.
In light of the tragedy's magnitude, Independence Day celebrations in various parts of the Union Territory have been minimized, with only flag hoisting and the national anthem being observed.
Officials are concerned that the casualty numbers may increase as many areas remain isolated. Rescuers, including local organization volunteers, are diligently searching along the riverbanks downstream from the disaster site.
Critical health infrastructure has been reinforced at the Sub-District Hospital (SDH), Paddar, with an additional deployment of 13 doctors and 31 paramedics. Senior health department officials are stationed at Paddar, overseeing rescue and medical efforts. The District Hospital (DH) Kishtwar has been bolstered with the deployment of General Surgeons, Orthopaedic Surgeons, and Anaesthetists from the Government Medical College (GMC) Doda. Furthermore, tertiary care institutions have been put on full alert.
A team of specialists has been prepared at Doda to manage patients referred from DH Kishtwar. The GMC Jammu is fully operational with 50 disaster beds, 20 ventilator beds, and 5 operating theatres. Medical teams, including Orthopaedicians, Neurosurgeons, Critical Care Anaesthetists, and Maxillo-facial consultants, are on standby.
The GMC Jammu Blood Bank has been supplied with over 200 units of blood for any emergencies.
To aid the response to the crisis, PGIMER Chandigarh has dispatched a specialized team of Critical Care Specialists and Neurosurgeons to enhance critical care capabilities at GMC Jammu. Immediately following the incident, a fleet of 65 ambulances from various organizations, including the Health department, NHPC, Army, CRPF, and 108 Emergency Service of the J&K Health and Medical Education department, was deployed for rescue and patient transport.
Point of View
We stand firmly with the people affected by the Kishtwar tragedy. This devastating event requires immediate action and support from all levels of government. The resilience of the affected communities and the swift response from rescue teams showcase the strength of our nation in times of crisis. We will continue to monitor the situation and advocate for the needs of those impacted.
NationPress
20/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bodies have been recovered so far in Kishtwar?
As of now, 56 bodies have been recovered following the Kishtwar cloudburst tragedy.
What efforts are being made for rescue operations?
Rescue teams from the Civil Administration, Police, Army, NDRF, and SDRF are actively engaged in rescue operations despite challenges posed by adverse weather.
How many people are still missing?
Over 250 individuals are reported missing in the aftermath of the Kishtwar cloudburst.
What support has the Prime Minister offered?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured all possible help to the victims of the Kishtwar tragedy during his communication with local authorities.
What has happened to the Machail Mata Yatra?
The Machail Mata Yatra has been suspended until further notice due to the ongoing crisis in Kishtwar.
