CLOUD BURST DEVASTATES KISHTWAR; PM MODI ASSURES FULL SUPPORT AS DEATH TOLL HITS 60
KISHTWAR, Jammu & Kashmir – August 15, 2025:A really bad cloudburst in a remote mountain area of Kishtwar, Jammu & Kashmir, has caused a terrible situation. At least 60 people are dead, and many more are missing or hurt. This happened in Chositi village, Paddar area, on Thursday when a huge flash flood came through. It wiped out homes, roads, and a busy camp used by people on the yearly Machail Mata Yatra. After this happened, PM Modi spoke with J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and told him the national government would do everything it could to help. Big search and rescue efforts are underway right now.
Sacred Trip Turns Deadly
The cloudburst hit around 12:30 PM on Thursday, August 14, near the last village you can drive to before the Machail Mata temple trek starts. People who saw it said a massive rush of muddy water and stuff came rushing down the hills, and folks didn’t have much time to get away. The area was packed because lots of people were there for the free food (langar) and resting areas—and those spots took the worst hit from the flood.
The water was so strong it destroyed buildings, shops, and even a security post. A big bridge, about 30 meters long, was also destroyed, cutting off a key route and making the first rescue attempts even harder. Everyone is in shock at how bad everything is.
Quick Action from the Top
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that the number of deaths has reached 60. He told PM Modi how awful things were. Abdullah said he was thankful for the PM’s quick reply and the national government’s promise to help. The PM said his government stands with the people of J&K and is watching the situation closely.
Because of what happened, CM Abdullah canceled the usual Independence Day tea party and made all cultural events smaller as a way to support the families who are grieving. Amit Shah, the Home Minister, also talked to CM Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, saying that NDRF teams were on their way.
Big Rescue Operation Underway
There’s a big rescue going on right now, with the Army, NDRF, SDRF, and local police all working hard. The area is tough to get around in, and the weather is bad, which is making things difficult for the rescue teams.
Two NDRF teams got there by road from Udhampur because the weather was too bad to use helicopters. Army troops and doctors are also helping to find missing people and give medical help.
They’ve set up a control room and help desk in Paddar, about 15 kilometers from where the disaster hit, so they can coordinate everything and give info to worried families. The rescue teams are trying to find anyone still alive under the debris and recover the bodies of those who died.
A Sensitive Area
Kishtwar is prone to these kinds of disasters because it’s in the mountains, and the weather during monsoon season can be rough. This is a harsh reminder of the risks that people living in the Himalayas face. It also makes you think about whether they are prepared enough for big events like the Machail Mata Yatra.
Some of the people who died were pilgrims, but some were local residents and security. Two CISF guys who were working at the base camp are among the dead. The government is trying to identify everyone and give them a proper farewell.
16 BSF medals Operation Sindoor for Bravery
What’s Next: Helping People Recover
Even though the rescue is still the main thing, they will soon have to start helping people rebuild their lives. The J&K government said they would give money to the families of those who died or were hurt. Because so much was destroyed, it will take a long time to rebuild homes and roads.
This sad event has brought the country together. As the help continues, the strength of the local people, along with support from the national government, will be key to getting through this huge tragedy.
