A massive cloudburst struck Chositi, a remote mountain village in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district, on Thursday, August 14, leaving at least 38 people dead, including two CISF personnel, and injuring dozens.
Officials fear the toll could rise, with several people still missing. Around 120 people have been rescued so far, of whom 38 are reported to be in serious condition.
The disaster occurred between 12 noon and 1 pm, as pilgrims had gathered for the ongoing Machail Mata Yatra. Political leaders across the nation express grief, offering condolences and assuring assistance.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X: “My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected… The situation is being monitored closely. Every possible assistance will be provided to those in need.”
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.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 14, 2025
President Murmu condoles lives lost
President Droupadi Murmu condoled the loves lost due to the cloudburst in Kishtwar.
“The news of several deaths due to a cloudburst in Kishtwar, Jammu-Kashmir, is extremely tragic. I express my heartfelt condolences to the grieving families and pray for the success of relief and rescue operations,” she said in a statement in Hindi on X.
Read more: Cloudburst wreaks havoc in J&K’s Kishtwar, a week after Uttarakhand disaster – Deadly natural calamities
J&K CM cancels home party
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced the cancellation of the ‘At Home’ tea party and cultural events planned for Independence Day.
“We have also decided not to go ahead with the cultural events during the morning Independence Day celebrations. The formal events – speech, march past etc. – will go ahead as planned,” he said in a post on X.
In light of the tragedy caused by the cloud burst in Kishtwar I have taken the decision to cancel the “At Home” tea party tomorrow evening. We have also decided not to go ahead with the cultural events during the morning Independence Day celebrations. The formal events – speech,…
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) August 14, 2025
Former CM Ghulam Nabi Azad expressed deep sorrow, urging the government to ensure urgent rescue and relief.
Deeply saddened by the cloudburst in Chositi, Kishtwar. Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families & prayrs for the speedy recovery of the injured. Urge the govt to immediately carry out rescue & relief operations &ensure all possible assistance & treatment for those affected
— Ghulam Nabi Azad (@ghulamnazad) August 14, 2025
Rahul Gandhi termed the incident “extremely tragic” and called on the administration to expedite operations while urging Congress workers to assist on the ground.
जम्मू-कश्मीर के किश्तवाड़ में बादल फटने से आई तबाही के कारण कई लोगों की मौत और कईयों के लापता होने की ख़बर बेहद दुखद है।
मैं प्रभावित परिवारों के प्रति गहरी संवेदनाएं व्यक्त करता हूं और लापता लोगों के जल्द मिलने की आशा करता हूं।प्रशासन से आग्रह है कि राहत और बचाव कार्यों में…
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) August 14, 2025
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