Kishtwar cloudburst: Death toll climbs to 60

Rescuers frantically search for survivors

- MPOST BUREAU

Rescue teams in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district worked through intermittent rain on Friday to locate survivors of the devastating cloudburst in Chisoti village, even as Chief Minister Omar Abdullah confirmed that at least 60 people had died and many more remain unaccounted for.

The incident occurred around 12:25 pm on Thursday in Chisoti, the last motorable point on the pilgrimage route to the Machail Mata shrine. The sudden rush of water and debris swept away structures and vehicles, leaving behind widespread destruction.

By Thursday evening, officials had recovered 46 bodies, including two personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). Another 167 people were rescued with injuries, while relatives have reported 69 individuals missing. Authorities have so far identified 30 of the dead and handed them over to their families.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, offering central assistance. "Spoke to Jammu and Kashmir LG, Shri Manoj Sinha Ji and CM Shri Omar Abdullah Ji regarding the situation in the wake of the cloudburst and flooding in Kishtwar.

Authorities are working on the ground to assist those affected," Modi posted on X.