Kishtwar Cloudburst: Dramatic Flash Floods Caught on Camera

A massive cloudburst in Chishoti village of Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district unleashed flash floods on Thursday, sweeping away homes, vehicles, and pilgrims’ shelters along the Machail Mata Yatra route. At least 60 people have been confirmed dead, over 100 injured, and many more remain missing, officials said.

Videos circulating on social media captured the chaos as gushing water tore through the area, sending pilgrims fleeing for their lives. Families have reported 75 people missing, though locals fear the toll could be higher, with many possibly buried under debris and boulders. Among the dead are two CISF personnel and a Special Police Officer.

Rescue teams have so far pulled 167 people from the rubble, 38 of them critically injured. The deluge also damaged 16 houses, three temples, four water mills, a 30-meter bridge, and more than a dozen vehicles, PTI reported.

J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah said he had spoken with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah. “The PM expressed grief over the loss of precious lives and assured full support from the Centre,” Abdullah said.