At least 35 people have been confirmed dead following a devastating cloudburst in Chosoti village, located at an altitude of 9,500 ft and about 90 km from Kishtwar in Jammu and Kashmir. Officials fear the death toll may rise as rescue efforts continue.
The cloudburst struck late Wednesday night, triggering flash floods that swept through a ‘langar’ (community kitchen) set up for pilgrims and nearby homes clustered in the foothills. “A massive cloudburst in the Chosoti area could result in substantial casualties,” Union Minister Jitendra Singh posted on X, adding that he had spoken to Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Sharma about immediate relief measures.
In response, the administration has set up a dedicated control room-cum-help desk to coordinate relief efforts and assist affected residents and pilgrims. Five officials have been deployed to manage the control room, ensuring round-the-clock support and communication.
Two teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been dispatched from Udhampur to assist in rescue operations. Authorities estimate it may take up to 20 days to complete rescue, relief, and recovery efforts due to the difficult terrain and scale of the damage.
Helpline Numbers Issued
Residents and those seeking assistance can contact the following helpline numbers:
- 9858223125, 6006701934, 9797504078, 8492886895, 8493801381, 7006463710
District Control Room:
- 01995-259555, 9484217492
Police Control Room (Kishtwar):
- 9906154100
Casualty & Rescue Updates
- Varying death toll figures — Official reports differ, citing at least 30 to 38 fatalities so far, including two CISF personnel, with many still feared trapped.
- Rescue numbers — Approximately 98 to 120 people have been rescued; about 38 of them are reported to be in serious condition.
Who’s Leading the Response
- Agencies on-ground — Joint operations are underway involving the NDRF, SDRF, Indian Army (White Knight Corps), police, civil administration, and volunteers.
- Central and state leadership responding — Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha have been briefed and are coordinating assistance.
- Political voices — Leader of Opposition Sunil Kumar Sharma and others have emphasized immediate action and long-term safety improvements.
Pilgrimage Disruption & Site Impact
- Machail Mata Yatra suspended — The annual pilgrimage, which began on July 25 and runs until September 5, has been halted following the disaster
- Where it struck — The flash flood hit between 12 noon and 1 pm, when pilgrims were gathered near the langar, shops, and security posts at Chositi
- Structures washed away — The deluge demolished a community kitchen, makeshift shops, a CRPF/security outpost, vehicles, and severely damaged local infrastructure
Geography & Connectivity Challenges
- Remote terrain — Chositi, located at 9,500 ft and approximately 90 km from Kishtwar town, marks the last motorable point before the 8.5 km trek to the shrine
- Bad weather and destroyed roads — Continuous rain and washouts have hampered road access; bad visibility is also limiting air operations by helicopters.
Operational Constraints
- No heavy machinery available — Steep, inaccessible terrain and washed-out roads have prevented heavy equipment like JCBs from reaching the site; most work is being done manually and via limited airlifts.
- Airlifts — IAF helicopters have been used to airlift rescue teams and the injured; relief stores and medical teams are being rushed
Human Impact & Commentary
- Pilgrims affected — Many devotees were gathered at the langar when the cloudburst occurred, intensifying the tragedy
- Climate and development concerns — Experts highlight that increasing cloudburst events are linked to climate change and unplanned development in fragile Himalayan ecosystems.
- Calls for sustainable development — Some leaders are drawing attention to unchecked infrastructure projects in Kishtwar, warning of ecological risks and urging better environmental oversight
