Kishtwar, Aug 14:
The death toll from Thursday’s cloudburst in Chasoti village of Padder sub-division, Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district, has climbed to 55. More than 100 people have been injured, and over 200 remain missing.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, the disaster triggered flash floods along the Machail Mata Yatra route, sweeping away a community kitchen and trapping hundreds, including pilgrims.
Rescue efforts involving the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), police, Army, and local volunteers are continuing, with more than 30 ambulances, including units from Ababeel NGO, deployed at the site.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha have assured all possible assistance, while authorities have urged devotees to avoid travelling to Padder until the situation stabilises. The Meteorological Centre Srinagar has warned of further heavy rainfall in the region.