Union Minister Jitendra Singh reviewed the ongoing rescue and relief efforts in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district after the devastating cloudburst in Chisoti and emphasized that the top priority is to locate the people still missing and feared trapped under the debris.

Accompanied by Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, Singh reached the worst-hit Chisoti village around midnight on Friday. Speaking to reporters, he said, “A disaster of this scale was never witnessed, at least in this region, and it took everyone by surprise. The priority is to trace those still missing.”

The minister acknowledged that many people remain buried under the debris and praised the rescuers for their efforts under extremely challenging conditions. He pointed out that the situation is particularly tough due to inclement weather and the difficult terrain, which even prevented rescue helicopters from reaching the site. “Two rescue helicopters are stationed in Udhampur, waiting for the weather to clear,” he added.

Despite these challenges, essential recovery equipment was moved to the site overnight. Teams from the NDRF, SDRF, the Indian Army, the Indian Air Force, and the J&K Police are working round the clock to search for survivors.

The disaster, which struck around 12:25 pm on August 14, flattened Chisoti—the last motorable village on the route to the Machail Mata temple. At least 60 people were killed and over 100 injured when a flash flood swept away a makeshift market, a community kitchen for pilgrims, and a security outpost. Sixteen residential houses, government buildings, three temples, four water mills, a 30-metre bridge, and more than a dozen vehicles were also damaged.

Singh said that the police chief has been on-site supervising the rescue operations and the Border Roads Organisation has deployed special equipment to clear debris and sludge.

On relief measures, the Union Minister revealed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken serious steps, convened meetings, and received a detailed briefing on the calamity. He also spoke with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. “As soon as I finished the Independence Day programme, the first thing I did was rush here. That shows the urgency and priority the Modi government places on this disaster,” Singh said.

When asked about a possible visit by PM Modi or Home Minister Amit Shah, Singh stated that current conditions are not suitable for VVIP visits. However, he assured that all necessary assistance is being provided. He also confirmed that arrangements for airlifting critically injured victims for advanced treatment outside Jammu and Kashmir are in place if required.

Singh highlighted that the village, which previously lacked basic facilities like electricity and connectivity before 2014, had seen significant development in recent years, leading to a surge in pilgrim traffic to the Machail Mata shrine. Tragically, all these facilities were destroyed within seconds during the disaster.