Kishtwar cloudburst: J&K CM Omar Abdullah cancels Independence Day cultural events as death toll hits 38

The death toll in the massive cloudburst in Kishtwar has increased to 38, with relief personnel intensifying relief operations in Jammu and Kashmir. A cloudburst struck a remote mountain village in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district on Thursday, and rescue personnel have so far rescued 120 people.

 

According to authorities, the deceased include two CISF personnel. The death toll is feared to increase further as more people are feared to be trapped. The cloudburst triggered a flash flood along the route of the Shree Machail Mata Yatra. The yatra attracts thousands of devotees each year to the Chandi Mata Mandir in Machail, Paddar Valley.

 

The disaster occurred between 12pm and 1pm, when many devotees were gathered for the pilgrimage. The cloudburst severely impacted both the road from Padder to Chashoti and the subsequent yatra route.

 

A large-scale rescue operation is underway with personnel from NDRF, SDRF, police, Army and local volunteers mobilised for the operation. 

 

Earlier, the Army's White Knight Corps said, "In the aftermath of a cloudburst at Chisoti (Chositi) village, Kishtwar, troops of White Knight Corps swiftly mobilised for rescue and relief ops (operations). Efforts are centred on safeguarding lives and aiding survivors. Search for missing continues."

 

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said cultural events during Independence Day celebrations in Jammu and Kashmir have been cancelled. "In light of the tragedy caused by the cloud burst in Kishtwar, I have taken the decision to cancel the 'At Home' tea party tomorrow evening. We have also decided not to go ahead with the cultural events during the morning Independence Day celebrations. The formal events - speech, march past etc will go ahead as planned," Abdullah said in a post on X.

 

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said the state government stands with affected families at this time of crisis. "I want to assure all the affected families that Govt stands shoulder to shoulder with them in this hour of crisis. Air Force has also been alerted for evacuation. I am constantly monitoring the situation," Sinha said.

India