Kishtwar Cloudburst Update: A deadly cloudburst in Chisoti, Kishtwar has killed 60, left 69 missing, and injured over 100. PM Modi assures full assistance as rescue operations continue.
KISHTWAR, JAMMU & KASHMIR | August 15, 2025 –– A devastating cloudburst in the remote mountain village of Chisoti, Kishtwar district, has claimed at least 60 lives, left 69 people missing, and injured more than 100 others, according to official reports. The calamity struck on Thursday afternoon, triggering a massive flash flood that swept away homes, shops, and vital infrastructure.
Disaster Strikes During Pilgrimage
Chisoti, known as the base camp for the annual Machail Mata Yatra, was teeming with pilgrims when the disaster hit between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM. The 8.5-kilometer trek to the sacred shrine, situated at an altitude of 9,500 feet, began on July 25 and was scheduled to end on September 5.
The pilgrimage has now been suspended for the second consecutive day.
Scale of Destruction
Officials confirmed that the floodwaters, accompanied by heavy mudslides and debris flows, caused extensive damage:
- 16 residential houses and government buildings destroyed
- 3 temples, 4 water mills, and a 30-meter bridge damaged
- Over a dozen vehicles swept away
- A security camp completely washed out
- Several areas downstream submerged under silt and debris
Remarkably, a temple situated at the heart of the flood zone survived the onslaught.
Rescue and Relief Efforts
More than 160 people have been rescued so far, with 38 in critical condition. Rescue teams are still searching for victims believed to be trapped beneath debris. Locals reported spotting 10 bodies floating in the Chenab River.
Two personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) are among the confirmed dead. Authorities have identified 30 of the recovered bodies by sharing photographs with families via a dedicated WhatsApp group.
Control Room and Missing Persons
The Union Territory Administration has set up a control room-cum-help desk in Paddar, approximately 15 km from Chisoti, to assist victims and pilgrims. The helpline numbers issued are:
- 98582 23125
- 60067 01934
- 97975 04078
- 84928 86895
- 84938 01381
- 70064 63710
Officials revealed that 69 people have been reported missing, and many remain stranded in Machail and Hamori villages, where power outages have left mobile devices discharged, cutting off communication.
Prime Minister’s Response
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday, assuring full central government assistance.
“Authorities are working on the ground to assist those affected,” Modi wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Chief Minister Abdullah, addressing the Independence Day function at Srinagar’s Bakshi Stadium, confirmed the scale of the tragedy and pledged comprehensive relief measures.
Ongoing Challenges
Search operations continue amid difficult terrain and weather conditions. Authorities warn the death toll could rise further as fresh debris is cleared. With communication lines down and entire stretches of the pilgrimage route cut off, restoring connectivity and providing shelter to survivors remain urgent priorities.