Jammu, Aug 14(KNS): A devastating cloudburst in the remote Chositi village of Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir, has left at least 50 people dead and over a 100 missing
The disaster triggered flash floods and landslides that swept through the mountainous region around noon on Thursday, leaving behind widespread destruction.
Chositi, the last motorable point on the route to the revered Machail Mata shrine, was bustling with pilgrims when the disaster struck. The annual yatra, which began on July 25, draws thousands of devotees each year, with many camping at this village before beginning the 8.5 km trek to the temple located at 9,500 feet.
The sudden deluge washed away several structures including a heavily crowded ‘langar’ (community kitchen), shops, homes, and a security outpost. Among the dead are two personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). Rescue teams managed to pull out 167 people from the debris, with at least 38 reported to be in critical condition.
Dramatic visuals captured the intensity of the disaster — torrents of water mixed with mud and rock cascading down the slopes, sweeping away everything in their path.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelRoads have been blocked, and rescue operations are being hampered by difficult terrain and continuing bad weather.
Multiple agencies including the Army’s White Knight Corps, NDRF, SDRF, police, and local volunteers are engaged in large-scale rescue efforts. Two additional NDRF teams have been dispatched from Jammu to reinforce the operation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu expressed grief over the loss of lives and assured full support for ongoing relief efforts. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Lt Governor Manoj Sinha are closely monitoring the situation. The annual pilgrimage has been suspended until further notice.
Amid the tragedy, BJP leader Jehanzaib Sirwal voiced concerns about the unchecked expansion of hydropower projects in the fragile Kishtwar ecosystem, warning that poor environmental oversight could lead to more such calamities in the future.
As a mark of respect, the state government has canceled all cultural Independence Day celebrations, limiting observances to formal events.
Authorities say the death toll may rise further as search operations continue in the affected areas.(KNS)