Jammu And Kashmir: 23 Dead, 75 Injured In Massive Cloudburst In Kishtwar’s Chositi Village

At least 23 bodies were recovered and 75 people were injured after a massive Kishtwar cloudburst struck Chositi village in Padder sub-division on Thursday.

An official said the injured were being shifted to the hospital. Helicopters have been deployed to evacuate the victims.

“A massive joint rescue operation is going on in the area,” the official stated.

MoS (PMO) Jitendra Singh further confirmed the incident and said rescue teams had been dispatched to assess the damage and provide medical aid. He assured that his office was receiving regular updates and that all possible support would be extended.

Leaders Express Condolences

J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha posted on X, “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.”

“I just spoke to the Union Home Minister @AmitShah Sb to brief him about the developing situation in Kishtwar region of Jammu. The news is grim & accurate, verified information from the area hit by the cloud burst is slow in arriving. All possible resources are being mobilised from within & beyond J&K to manage the rescue operations. I’m not going to be speaking to channels or news agencies. The government will share information as & when possible,” Chief Minister Omar Abdullah posted on X.

Rescue Efforts Underway

Leader of the Opposition in the J&K Assembly, Sunil Sharma of the BJP, along with the Deputy Commissioner and SSP Kishtwar, has reached the site to lead rescue efforts.

Sharma said the incident occurred near the last point where four-wheelers are parked and temporary shops are set up for the Shri Machail Yatra. He further confirmed that the NDRF and other agencies would carry out large-scale relief work.

The ADC Kishtwar announced that the Machail Yatra has been suspended until further notice.

Sharma further urged the public not to panic. He assured that SDRF, the Red Cross, and other government machinery were engaged in rescue operations.

The region’s remoteness, heavy rains, and poor connectivity are hampering access and updates.

Unconfirmed reports suggest significant structural damage, though officials say assessments are ongoing.