The devastating cloudburst in Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir, has prompted grim assessments from officials as the search and rescue operation enters its sixth day. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated that the chances of finding survivors are now slim, with the focus shifting to the retrieval of bodies to allow families to perform last rites.

The cloudburst, which occurred in the remote Chisoti village, triggered flash floods and landslides, leaving a trail of destruction and claiming numerous lives. As of Tuesday, August 19, 2025, the death toll has risen to 66, with approximately 70 people still missing. Rescue teams, comprising personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Indian Army, Border Roads Organisation (BRO), local police, and civil agencies, are working around the clock in the disaster-hit area.

The challenging terrain and unstable weather conditions have significantly hampered rescue efforts. The Army has deployed Specialist Mobility Vehicles and All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) to navigate the difficult landscape and accelerate the search. Heavy machinery, including JCBs and LNTs, are also being used to clear debris. Army engineers constructed a Bailey bridge to restore connectivity to Chisoti village and the Machail Mata shrine to further intensify the rescue efforts. Controlled explosions are being carried out to remove large boulders obstructing the search.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that the government is considering forming a team of experts to identify vulnerable locations across Jammu & Kashmir and recommend measures to prevent future loss of life. He clarified that the existing Disaster Mitigation Fund was designed for glacial lake bursts and that the Kishtwar tragedy was caused by a cloudburst. The government will look into the issues raised by the people and ensure every possible assistance.

Despite the daunting circumstances, rescue teams continue to clear debris from key locations and search the stream impacted by the flood, as well as damaged homes and shops. Additional medical teams and equipment have been deployed to strengthen the relief effort. Five relief columns of the Army are actively engaged in the ongoing operations, with senior Army officials overseeing and coordinating the multi-agency efforts.