Terrifying Kishtwar Cloudburst: Flash Floods Sweeping Away Everything Caught on Camera. The flash floods in Kishtwar wreaked havoc, damaging 16 houses, government buildings, three temples, four water mills, and a 30-meter-long bridge. A massive cloudburst in Chishoti village, Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir, unleashed large-scale destruction, washing away houses, makeshift structures, and vehicles. The disaster has claimed at least 60 lives, left over 100 people injured, and many more are still missing, triggering a desperate search and rescue operation.
Terrifying Kishtwar Cloudburst, videos circulating on social media capture the terrifying moment flash floods struck, with water gushing through the area as pilgrims of the Machail Mata Yatra ran for their lives. The scenes of panic, screams, and chaos highlight the sheer scale of the disaster. A close-up video reveals the ferocity of the flash floods, with raging waters demolishing structures and uprooting trees in seconds.
Families have so far reported 75 people missing
But locals and eyewitnesses fear the toll could be far higher, with hundreds possibly swept away. Many are believed to be trapped under boulders, logs, and debris, according to PTI.
Two CISF personnel and a Special Police Officer (SPO) from the local police were among those who lost their lives in the devastating Kishtwar cloudburst. Their deaths highlight the widespread impact of the tragedy across all sections of society.
A video shared by Jammu Links, though not independently verified by HT, shows the harrowing scenes unfolding as people can be seen running, exiting vehicles, chanting prayers, and crying in panic.
Filmed from a moving perspective, the footage appears shaky and disoriented, reflecting the chaos on the ground. Parked vehicles are visible as water suddenly rushes into the area, intensifying the panic. The disturbing visuals underline the suddenness and severity of the flash floods.
Rescue Efforts Underway Amid High-Level Intervention
Rescue operations continue in Kishtwar, where officials told PTI that teams have pulled out 167 people from under the debris, with 38 reported to be in critical condition. Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah said he had spoken to home minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the tragedy, assuring that every possible measure is being taken to aid the affected families.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his profound grief over the tragic loss of lives in the Kishtwar cloudburst and assured that the Centre would extend complete support to Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasized that there would be no shortage of aid for relief, rescue, and rehabilitation measures.
As per PTI, the devastating flash floods caused extensive damage, sweeping away at least 16 houses, several government buildings, three temples, and four water mills. A 30-meter-long bridge collapsed under the force of the waters, while more than a dozen vehicles were destroyed.
The catastrophe has rendered many families homeless and left sacred religious sites in ruins. Meanwhile, authorities are continuing efforts to assess the full scope of destruction and provide relief to the affected people.