15/08/2025
*Kishtwar Tragedy*
*Death Toll Rises to 48 in Chesoti Cloudburst; 75 Missing, 116 Injured*
44 Bodies Identified handed over to NOK, says official
Shivam Bakshi
Kishtwar, Aug 15 : At least 48 people have been confirmed dead in the devastating cloudburst that struck the Chesoti area of Kishtwar on Thursday, officials said.
t48 bodies have been retrieved so far, of which 44 have been identified and handed over to the next of kin.
"75 people remain missing while 116 have been injured, including 66 referred to Jammu for specialised treatment," official said.
Massive rescue and search operations are underway, with Police, Army, SDRF, and district administration teams working on the ground, he said.
Details available with KNC stated that Inspector General of Police Jammu Zone and DIG DKR Range are closely monitoring the operations, while Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Pankaj Sharma (KAS), and SSP Kishtwar, Naresh Singh (JKPS), are leading the rescue efforts at the site.
Authorities said the operation will continue to trace the missing and provide assistance to the affected families.
Earlier on Thursday afternoon, the cloudburst triggered flash floods and widespread devastation, prompting large-scale rescue operations involving the Army, NDRF, SDRF, police, and local administration.
Meanwhile, expressing solidarity with the affected people in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced the cancellation of the “At Home” tea party scheduled for Friday evening in the wake of the tragedy.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed solidarity with the people affected by the disaster, while Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the Centre is in constant touch with the Jammu and Kashmir administration.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed anguish over the incident, offering condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured. “I have directed Civil, Police, Army, NDRF & SDRF officials to strengthen rescue and relief operations and ensure all possible assistance to the affected,” the LG said.
