A massive cloudburst struck Chisoti village in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district on 14 August, killing at least 60 people and injuring over 100. Families have reported 75 people missing while locals fear the toll could rise further as many victims were swept away by flash floods or buried under debris. A coordinated rescue and relief operation involving the Army, NDRF, SDRF, police, BRO, civil administration, and volunteers has entered its third day. The disaster destroyed homes, temples, bridges, vehicles, and community facilities linked to the Machail Mata yatra, which now stands suspended. Leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister Jitendra Singh, and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah have expressed solidarity while reviewing efforts on the ground.
Scale of the Disaster
The cloudburst hit around 12.25 pm on 14 August. It flattened a makeshift market, a police security post, and a community kitchen (langar) set up for pilgrims. Officials confirmed that 16 houses, three temples, four water mills, a 30-metre bridge, several government buildings, and more than a dozen vehicles were destroyed. Among the dead were two CISF personnel and a Special Police Officer. Rescue teams continue to recover bodies, with 46 already identified and handed to families.
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Eyewitness Accounts
Subash Chander, a devotee serving at the langar, described the horror. He heard a loud sound before a torrent of mud, boulders, and trees crashed down. He escaped narrowly but remained trapped under debris for six hours. He recalled that initial rescue was delayed but soon the Army and locals rushed to help. Survivors say the destruction felt like a massive explosion.
Political Leaders Respond
Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah confirmed that 60 bodies had been found so far. He promised an inquiry after rescue operations conclude to determine if preventive steps could have been taken despite warnings from the Met Department. He stressed that multiple forces and political workers were working tirelessly. Union Minister Jitendra Singh, who visited the site at midnight, assured continuous central support.
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National Response
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day speech, said nature is testing the nation. He expressed deep sympathy for affected families and acknowledged recent disasters including cloudbursts and landslides. The Indian Air Force has placed two Mi-17 helicopters and one Advanced Light Helicopter on standby in Jammu and Udhampur to strengthen relief operations.
