Daijiworld Media Network- Kishtwar

Kishtwar, Aug 15: In a grim aftermath of Thursday’s devastating cloudburst in Chisoti village, Kishtwar district, authorities have so far identified 21 out of the 46 bodies recovered from the debris. The disaster, triggered by a massive flash flood, claimed at least 46 lives, including two CISF personnel, and left many others missing.

Officials confirmed that photographs of the deceased were shared via a dedicated WhatsApp group to help families identify their loved ones. Rescue operations have saved over 160 people, with 38 reported to be in critical condition. However, the death toll is feared to climb as more victims are believed to be trapped.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has set up a control room-cum-help desk in Paddar, about 15 km from the affected village, to assist victims’ families and pilgrims. Search efforts are underway to trace 67 missing persons reported by relatives.

The cloudburst struck between 12 noon and 1 pm, when Chisoti, a base camp for the annual Machail Mata Yatra, was teeming with pilgrims. The flash floods, accompanied by mudslides and debris, swept away homes, shops, vehicles, a security camp, and parts of the bus stand. A community kitchen set up for devotees was also destroyed, while a temple in the flood zone escaped unscathed.

Authorities continue to recover bodies from the Chenab river and debris-strewn areas, as stranded people in nearby Machail and Hamori villages await contact due to power outages and dead phone batteries.