Kishtwar cloudburst: Search continues for missing, trapped on Day 3

Rescue teams are continuing their search for missing persons in Chisoti village of Kishtwar district for the third straight day after a massive cloudburst on August 14 left at least 60 people dead and over 100 injured. Many are still believed to be trapped under the debris.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh, who visited the devastated village along with Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, said the priority remains tracing the missing. He described the incident as an unprecedented tragedy for the region.

The disaster struck suddenly around 12.25 pm on August 14, when a cloudburst triggered flash floods that flattened a makeshift market, a community kitchen for pilgrims and a security post. 

Most of the victims were devotees and workers connected with the Machail Mata pilgrimage, which passes through Chisoti on the way to the temple.

Rescue efforts are hampered by difficult terrain and bad weather. Helicopters could not reach the site and are stationed in Udhampur, waiting for clearance. 

Despite these hurdles, teams from the NDRF, SDRF, Indian Army, Air Force and J&K Police are continuing their search operations.

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has brought in heavy equipment to clear debris and sludge. 

At least 16 residential houses, government buildings, temples, water mills, a bridge and several vehicles were destroyed in the flash floods.

Singh said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been closely monitoring the situation, holding meetings and speaking to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. He added that all necessary assistance is being rushed to the area.

The government has also offered to use helicopters to airlift the critically injured to hospitals outside Jammu and Kashmir if required.

Eyewitnesses described the moment the floodwaters swept through the village as terrifying. “We saw the market vanish in seconds. People were running, shouting for help, but the water was too strong,” said one survivor, who lost a relative in the tragedy.

Meanwhile, special prayers were offered at the Machail Mata temple in memory of the victims. Pilgrims and locals lit candles and recited hymns, remembering those who lost their lives. 

For many, the prayers became a moment of grief and solidarity, as families in Chioti continue to wait in hope for the missing to be found.

India