Leh: Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the massive cloudburst in Chositi village of Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir, that has claimed at least 30 lives.
“My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the cloudburst and flooding in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir. The situation is being monitored closely. Rescue and relief operations are underway. Every possible assistance will be provided to those in need,” the Prime Minister said in a post on X.
Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, also conveyed his condolences, saying, “Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the tragic flash floods in Kishtwar. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured. May the Almighty protect and grant safety to all in the affected areas.”
The disaster struck between 12 noon and 1 pm on Thursday, killing at least 30 people, including two CISF personnel, and injuring many others. Around 120 people have been rescued so far, with 38 reported to be in serious condition. Officials fear the death toll may rise as more people are believed to be trapped.
The calamity hit Chositi — the last motorable village en route to the Machail Mata temple — where a large gathering had assembled for the annual yatra that began on July 25 and was scheduled to end on September 5. The 8.5-km trek to the 9,500-feet-high shrine starts from Chositi. A community kitchen (langar) set up for devotees bore the brunt of the flash floods, which swept away several structures, including shops and a security outpost.
Rescue operations by the NDRF, SDRF, police, Army, and local volunteers began immediately. Two additional NDRF teams from Jammu and Udhampur were dispatched to speed up relief work. Kishtwar Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Sharma and the senior superintendent of police rushed to the site to oversee operations.
Army’s White Knight Corps said troops swiftly mobilised with relief stores, medical teams, and rescue gear to safeguard lives and assist survivors.
Lieutenant Governor of J&K Manoj Sinha expressed anguish over the incident, offering condolences and directing officials to intensify relief operations.
Other leaders, including Union Minister Jitendra Singh, Leader of Opposition Sunil Kumar Sharma, former chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, and BJP leader Jehanzaib Sirwal, also expressed grief. Sirwal further cautioned against unchecked power project expansion in Kishtwar, warning of potential ecological threats if strict environmental safeguards are not implemented.
