At least 10 people are feared dead after a cloudburst struck the Paddar Tashoti area of Kishtwar district, triggering flash floods that washed away a langar (community kitchen) shed.
Union Minister of State
Dr. Jitendra Singh took stock of the situation and informed that he has spoken to DC Kishtwar, Pankaj Kumar Sharma, following an urgent message from the Leader of Opposition in J&K and local MLA, Sunil Kumar Sharma.
“Just now spoke to DC Kishtwar Pankaj Kumar Sharma after receiving an urgent message from J&K LoP and local MLA Sunil Kumar Sharma. A massive cloudburst in the Chositi area, which could result in substantial casualties. Administration has immediately swung into action; the rescue team has left for the site. Damage evaluation and necessary rescue and medical management arrangements are being made,” he wrote on X.
Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Pankaj Sharma informed that a flash flood has occurred at Chashoti area in Kishtwar, which is the starting point of the Machail Mata Yatra. He further added that a rescue operation has been started
Videos shared online show horrific visuals after the tragic incident.
#WATCH | J&K | A flash flood has occurred at the Chashoti area in Kishtwar, which is the starting point of the Machail Mata Yatra. Rescue Operations have been started. pic.twitter.com/dQbUBx46A9
— ANI (@ANI) August 14, 2025
CM Omar Abdullah, LG Manoj Sinha Share Condolences
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah “expressed deep sorrow over the tragic cloudburst in Kishtwar” and also extended condolences on the incident.
“Chief Minister has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic cloudburst in Kishtwar, extending condolences to the bereaved families. The Chief Minister’s office is in touch with the district administration and all the measures for relief and rescue are being taken,” said an official statement from CMO.
Jammu & Kashmir LG Manoj Sinha shared condolences to the affected family members and prayed for quick recovery of the injured.
“Anguished by cloudburst in Chositi Kishtwar. Condolences to bereaved families & prayers for quick recovery of injured. Directed Civil, Police, Army, NDRF & SDRF officials to strengthen the rescue & relief operations and ensure all possible assistance is provided to the affected,” he wrote on X.
BJP Leader Reacts To Cloudburst Incident
BJP leader and leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma reacted to the incident and expressed sorrow. He also informed that efforts are underway to evaluate the damage.
“Deeply distressed to learn about the devastating cloudburst in the Chositi area of Padder, which may lead to significant loss of life.I have just spoken with LG @manojsinha_Ji and @DrJitendraSingh Ji to assess the situation. NDRF teams and helicopters are being mobilized to the site at the earliest. Efforts are underway to evaluate the damage and coordinate rescue and medical operations. I am en route to the location to personally oversee the response and ensure that all necessary measures are taken,” he wrote on X, sharing a video.
Deeply distressed to learn about the devastating cloudburst in the Chositi area of Padder, which may lead to significant loss of life.I have just spoken with LG @manojsinha_ Ji and @DrJitendraSingh Ji to assess the situation. NDRF teams and helicopters are being mobilized to the… pic.twitter.com/dGtOk1yWlM
— Sunil Sharma (@Sunil_SharmaBJP) August 14, 2025
Jammu-Kashmir Weather Update: IMD Issues Heavy Rain Alert
The Meteorological Centre Srinagar has issued a Nowcast alert indicating moderate to heavy rainfall, accompanied by brief intense showers, thunder, lightning, and gusty winds across many parts of Jammu & Kashmir over the next 4–6 hours.
Areas expected to be affected include Kupwara, Baramulla, Bandipora, Srinagar, Ganderbal, hilly regions of Budgam, as well as parts of Poonch, Rajouri, Reasi, Udhampur, Jammu, Doda, and Kishtwar.
According to IMD, the Qazigund–Banihal–Ramban highway axis may also experience intense rainfall for short periods. There is a possibility of cloudburst incidents, flash floods, landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones, particularly in vulnerable and hilly areas.
