The village of Chosoti in Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir, is reeling from the aftermath of a devastating cloudburst that struck on August 14, 2025. The flash floods triggered by the cloudburst swept away houses, community kitchens, and vehicles, leaving a trail of destruction and immense suffering. As rescue operations continue, survivors are digging through the rubble, desperately searching for their loved ones amidst the debris.
The disaster occurred along the Machail Mata Yatra route, a popular pilgrimage to a Himalayan shrine. Chosoti, the last point accessible by vehicles, was bustling with pilgrims when the cloudburst hit, triggering flash floods that cascaded down the hillside. Eyewitnesses recounted the horror as they saw people being washed away, their cries for help echoing amidst the roaring water and crashing debris.
The force of the flash floods was immense, flattening everything in its path. A makeshift market, a community kitchen serving pilgrims, and a police security post were all swept away. Sixteen houses and government buildings, three temples, four water mills, a 30-meter-long bridge, and over a dozen vehicles were also destroyed. The village was virtually split in half by the deluge.
As of August 16, 2025, official figures confirm at least 60 fatalities, including two personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and a Special Police Officer (SPO). Over 100 people have been injured, and many are still missing. Families have reported 75 people missing, though locals and eyewitnesses suggest the number could be much higher. Rescue teams have pulled 167 people from under the debris, with 38 in serious condition.
The rescue operations are being carried out by the Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), local police, and volunteers. Two Mi-17 helicopters and one Advanced Light Helicopter have been kept ready for deployment. Explosives are being used to blast giant boulders that are hampering rescue efforts.
Survivors have shared harrowing accounts of their miraculous escapes. Nine-year-old Devanshi was buried under mud and debris when a shop was hit by flash floods but was rescued by her uncle and other villagers. Sneha from Jammu was swept away and buried under a vehicle but managed to claw her way out. Subhash Chandra, who was running a community kitchen, was rescued alive after being trapped under debris for nearly 30 hours.
The Jammu and Kashmir government has announced relief and rehabilitation measures for the affected families. The families of those who lost their lives will receive financial support of Rs 2 lakh each, while those who sustained severe injuries will be given Rs 1 lakh and those with minor injuries Rs 50,000. For structural damages, Rs 1 lakh will be given for fully damaged houses, Rs 50,000 for severely damaged ones, and Rs 25,000 for partially damaged structures. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has also directed the immediate restoration of essential infrastructure in the affected areas. Free bus services have been launched for pilgrims stranded due to the cloudburst.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured all possible assistance from the Centre. He has also expressed solidarity with those affected by the natural disaster. Union Minister Jitendra Singh visited the affected areas to take stock of the situation.
As the search for the missing continues, the survivors of the Kishtwar cloudburst are left to grapple with the immense loss and devastation. The road to recovery will be long and arduous, but the resilience of the human spirit shines through as they dig through the rubble, searching for their loved ones and hoping for a better future.
