Kishtwar: At least 12 people were killed and over 200 feared trapped after a cloudburst struck Paddar in the hilly Kishtwar district of Jammu region on Thursday. Officials warned that the toll could rise further.
The incident occurred in Chasoti village along the route of the Machhil Mata Yatra. Rescue teams from the Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been rushed to the spot.
Roads leading to the area were damaged, and electricity and phone connectivity remained cut off till 2 pm. Heavy rains since late Wednesday night had already caused a surge in water levels.
Authorities have suspended the annual temple pilgrimage following the disaster. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed grief over the loss of lives, saying, “Saddened by the cloudburst at Chasoti in Kishtwar.
Condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured. Civil, police, Army, NDRF and SDRF officials have been directed to strengthen rescue and relief operations and provide all possible assistance to the affected people.”
Union Minister Jitendra Singh said he had spoken to Kishtwar Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Sharma and confirmed that rescue teams had been deployed.
“There is a cloudburst in the Chasoti area, which can cause a lot of loss of life. The administration has taken immediate action and sent a rescue team to the spot,” he posted on X.
A team led by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Paddar has reached the site. Officials said many people remain unaccounted for as rescue efforts continue.
