Kishtwar death toll touches 60; 300 injured

AhmadJunaidJ&KAugust 15, 2025376 Views


Jammu, Aug 15: Amid an unrelenting search for the ‘life’ buried under tonnes of deluge, the death toll in the cloudburst disaster in Chisoti village of the treacherous mountainous belt of Kishtwar district touched around 60 on the second day on Friday, with the recovery of more bodies of victims.

After a day-long chaos, as the situation became a bit clearer on Friday, leading to the successful rescue of more people, the officials put the figure of injured persons at around 300, while 73 were still reported to be missing.

On the site of the spectre, the officials engaged in relief and rescue operations divulged casualty figures as 48 out of whom 36 deceased were identified as well.

However, it was the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who, in his Independence Day address, stated that at least 60 people were killed in the calamity.

At ground zero, the officials stated that out of 36 identified bodies, 34 bodies were handed over to the Next of Kin (NoK).

Fifty-one critically injured persons were shifted to GMC Hospital Jammu, where a team of specialists from PGI Chandigarh had been called to assist (GMC Jammu) doctors for specialised and critical care. GMC Jammu was equipped with disaster beds and ventilator beds and five Operation Theatres to deal with disaster victims.

Meanwhile, the relief operations continued in Chisoti in full swing, without pause, all in search of life several feet under mounds of debris.

Indian Army, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP), NDRF, SDRF, volunteers, and the officials of civil administration remained engaged in synergised relief efforts in treacherous high-altitude terrain along Chisoti, confronting inhospitable weather conditions.

PRO Defence stated that 118 RCC (35 BRTF of Project Sampark), which swiftly launched relief and rescue operations, had cleared key landslide points to restore access to the site of spectre.

As per reports, around 20 houses and government buildings, one bridge, three temples, and four water mills had perished in the flash floods or were badly damaged.

The machinery was positioned by 118 RCC to aid ambulance movement and ensure uninterrupted support to locals and pilgrims.

District Police Kishtwar also issued numbers of District Control Room and PCR Kishtwar for the distraught families, whose relatives could not be traced despite frantic efforts. They were asked to report about their missing relatives so as to seek assistance.

To provide reprieve to the stranded pilgrims, JKSRTC buses were deployed for their free transportation. J&K Minister for Transport Satish Sharma also directed the ARTO to take action against the taxi operators found overcharging the stranded pilgrims.

To take stock of the condition of the injured under treatment, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Jammu Bhim Sen Tuti, joined by SSP Kishtwar, visited Atholi hospital. They listened to the survivors, shared their concerns, and assured them of all possible support.

They also assessed the medical treatment being provided, ensured that critical cases were being prioritised, and directed hospital staff to extend every possible assistance to the injured and their families.

Meanwhile, Col N Arun. Commanding Officer 17 Rashtriya Rifles, giving a detailed account of the relief and rescue operations following the tragedy, stated, “Approximately 12.45 pm yesterday, a massive cloudburst triggered a landslide in Chisoti village of Kishtwar. Troops of the Indian Army, including elements of 17 Rashtriya Rifles, part of Delta Force deployed at Dul, were the first to respond. Relief columns were immediately mobilised and reached the incident site without delay.”

He said that the operations were being conducted in close coordination with the civil administration, Police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and other security agencies.

“The focus remains on safeguarding lives, providing immediate assistance to survivors, and locating those reported missing. Relief stores, medical teams, and specialised rescue equipment have been rushed to the site. Currently, five relief columns under the Commanding Officer, 17 RR, are deployed at Chisoti. The Regimental Medical Officer, 17 RR, is overseeing on-ground medical assistance,” Col Arun said.

He added that to maintain the availability of the Primary Health Centre for continuing operations, the maximum number of injured were evacuated to Kishtwar and Jammu.

“An additional medical team from Military Hospital Bhaderwah is enroute to reinforce medical relief efforts. Over five columns, comprising approximately 300 personnel and medical detachments of the Indian Army, are engaged in rescue operations. Several stranded civilians have been evacuated to safe locations, where they are being provided with food, water, and essential supplies. Overall, the situation has improved since yesterday, but search and rescue work is ongoing in challenging terrain,” he divulged.

The Delta Force of the Indian Army, according to him, initiated efforts to induct and establish a footbridge across the Chisoti brook or nullah to facilitate the movement of personnel and equipment.

“Earth-moving machinery is also being brought forward to support clearance and access. The Indian Army reaffirms its commitment that only after the last person is brought to safety will troops return to their barracks,” he said.

Meanwhile, the public representatives continued efforts to reach the disaster site despite inclement weather.

Union Minister of State in PMO Jitendra Singh on Friday reached Gulabgarh, from where in the morning he would proceed to the site of the disaster.

Earlier, he posted, “Enroute to the cloud burst site in Chisoti. I had left Jammu by an Indian Air Force helicopter, but the chopper returned after flying for one hour without finding it feasible to land. Immediately thereafter, I’ve left by road to reach the affected site as early as possible…though it is a long, hilly, difficult terrain and the weather is also inclement.”

Sumit Bhargav adds from Rajouri

Rajouri, Aug 15

In Panjnara village of Kotranka in Rajouri district of Pir Panjal region, a land sinking incident was reported over an estimated area of 1-2 sq km, posing a serious threat to the local population.

Preliminary reports suggest that 15 to 20 houses suffered damage due to the ground subsidence, prompting an urgent response from the administration.

“We are living in constant fear as our land is sinking and houses are suffering big cracks,” said Muhammad Azam, a resident of the area.

He said that the walls of many houses had already collapsed, while other structures were developing massive cracks and could collapse at any time.

Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Kotranka, Dil Mir, said that authorities had shifted around 20 affected families to government accommodation as a precautionary measure, ensuring their safety amid fears of further land movement.

“Around 20 families with 90 members have been shifted to government accommodation in a new under-construction health building,” he said.

Mir said that a team of National Disaster Management Force (NDRF), along with State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), had arrived on the spot and facilitated the shifting of affected people.

He said that the team had been requisitioned by the district administration of Rajouri.

Meanwhile, officials on the ground are closely monitoring the situation with assessment teams engaged in evaluating the extent of the damage and the potential risks to life and property.

The administration has urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with safety measures while remedial action is planned.

Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Budhal, Javed Iqbal Choudhary, expressed deep concern over the widespread damage caused by the recent floods.

He said that over 20 houses had been damaged in  Panjnara village.

Choudhary said that upon receiving the information, district administration was immediately alerted and Deputy Commissioner (DC) Rajouri Abhishek Sharma acted promptly, evacuating residents to safer locations and thereby averting a major tragedy.

Choudhary assured the people that he would personally visit all affected areas by next weekend.

“Every single family whose home has been damaged will be provided adequate assistance to rebuild their houses,” he said.

Choudhary reiterated his commitment to stand with every affected person during this difficult time and ensure that no one is left without support.

 

 

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