What Happened in J&K? 23 Bodies Recovered and 75 Injured in Major Cloudburst Incident in Kishtwar

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 23 fatalities reported due to the cloudburst.
- 75 individuals injured and receiving medical attention.
- Rescue operations involving multiple agencies are ongoing.
- Machail Yatra suspended until further notice.
- Public urged to remain calm as assistance is provided.
Jammu, Aug 14 (NationPress) In a tragic incident, at least 23 bodies have been recovered, and 75 individuals sustained injuries due to a significant cloudburst that struck Chositi village in the Padder Sub-division of Kishtwar on Thursday.
The official reports indicate that the injured are being transported to the hospital, with helicopters deployed for their evacuation.
A comprehensive rescue operation is currently underway, as stated by officials.
MoS (PMO) Jitendra Singh confirmed the occurrence of the cloudburst in Chositi and noted that rescue efforts have commenced.
Singh mentioned that rescue teams are on-site to assess the damage and provide essential medical and rescue support.
He assured that his office is receiving ongoing updates and that all necessary assistance will be extended to the affected region.
The L-G of J&K, Manoj Sinha, expressed his sorrow on X, stating, “I am deeply saddened by the cloudburst in Chositi Kishtwar. My condolences to the grieving families and prayers for the swift recovery of the injured. I have instructed the Civil, Police, Army, NDRF, and SDRF officials to enhance rescue and relief efforts and guarantee all possible aid to those affected.”
The Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, also shared his concern on X, stating, “I have just communicated with the Union Home Minister @AmitShah to brief him on the evolving situation in the Kishtwar area of Jammu. The news is distressing, and verified details from the area impacted by the cloudburst are arriving slowly. All possible resources are being mobilized from within and outside J&K to facilitate the rescue operations. I will refrain from discussing this with media outlets.”
He stated that the government would provide updates as they become available.
The Leader of the Opposition in the J&K Assembly, Sunil Sharma of the BJP, along with the Deputy Commissioner and SSP of Kishtwar, have proceeded to the affected village to spearhead the rescue initiatives.
Sharma confirmed that the incident occurred at the last point where four-wheelers are parked, and several temporary shops are established for the Shri Machail Yatra.
He stated that the NDRF and other agencies would undertake extensive relief and rescue operations. According to the ADC of Kishtwar, the Machail Yatra has been suspended until further notice.
He urged the public to remain calm, assuring that all available resources, including SDRF, Red Cross, and other governmental resources, are engaged in rescue efforts.
The area is in a shadow zone, complicating communication. Unverified reports suggest substantial damage to infrastructure, although officials are still assessing the extent of the damage.
Locals have reported that the region's remoteness, heavy rainfall, and poor connectivity are obstructing access and information flow.