The death toll from a devastating cloudburst in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district has risen to 60, with more than 100 people injured and several others feared missing. The disaster struck on Thursday afternoon when a massive cloudburst hit the Chositi area in the Paddar sub-division, causing a flash flood that swept through the region. Chositi, the last motorable village on the route to the Machail Mata temple, bore the brunt of the calamity. Among the victims were two Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel and several Machail Mata pilgrims.

A large-scale rescue operation was launched immediately, involving the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), local police, the Indian Army, and volunteers. Officials reported that out of 45 bodies recovered so far, 21 have been identified, while efforts are ongoing to identify the remaining victims. Authorities are sharing photographs of the bodies with families to aid the identification process.

The White Knight Corps of the Indian Army swiftly mobilized troops for relief efforts, deploying over five columns of 60 personnel each along with medical detachments. So far, more than 160 people have been rescued and moved to safety. However, hundreds remain stranded in Machail and Hamori villages located beyond the cloudburst-hit zone.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on X (formerly Twitter), assuring that every possible assistance will be provided to the affected families. “My thoughts and prayers are with all those impacted by the cloudburst in Kishtwar. Rescue operations are underway and the situation is being closely monitored,” he said.

Meanwhile, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah confirmed that 60 people have lost their lives and warned that the death toll could rise, as nearly 1,200 people were present in the area at the time of the disaster. Vehicles at the bus stand—the starting point for the trek to the Machail Mata temple—were also badly damaged by the flash floods.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi extended condolences and urged party workers to assist in relief efforts, while helpline numbers have been issued for families of victims and those still missing: 9858223125, 6006701934, 9797504078, 8492886895, 8493801381, and 7006463710.