Kishtwar: At least 65 bodies have been recovered and several people are still missing after a massive cloudburst hit Chositi village in Kishtwar district on Thursday, minister Javed Dar said on Friday.
Speaking to reporters in Baramulla, he said the exact number of missing persons was not yet known. “Rescue teams have been working at the site since last night,” he added. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is expected to visit the affected area later today.
Officials said the death toll stood at 52 on Thursday, including two CISF personnel, but the number rose overnight and could climb further as many remain trapped under debris. At least 112 people have been injured, with several in critical condition, and over a hundred are feared missing. So far, 112 people have been rescued.
The disaster struck between 12 noon and 1 pm at Chositi, the last motorable point on the route to the revered Machail Mata temple. At the time, a large number of devotees had gathered for the annual yatra, which began on July 25 and was scheduled to end on September 5. The pilgrimage has been suspended following the tragedy.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has spoken to Home Minister of India Amit Shah and briefed him about the ongoing rescue and relief efforts. Shah assured all possible assistance. The LG said he was “anguished” by the incident, offered condolences to the families of the victims, and prayed for the recovery of the injured.
“I want to assure all affected families that the government stands shoulder to shoulder with them in this hour of crisis,” he said in a post on X.
Rescue and relief operations are in full swing with civil administration, police, army, NDRF, and SDRF teams on the ground. Heavy machinery has been deployed, additional teams rushed to the spot, and the Air Force alerted for evacuation if needed.
Officials said they are working round the clock to locate the missing and provide medical aid to the injured.
