Cloudburst in J&K: At least 60 dead, 69 still missing

Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday identified 30 of the bodies recovered after a cloudburst triggered flash floods in Chisoti village, Kishtwar. At least 60 people have died in the incident, with 69 still reported missing.

Rescue teams have so far saved over 160 people, with 38 in serious condition. Officials warned the death toll may rise as more victims are feared trapped, reported PTI.

To speed up identification, authorities shared photographs of the deceased via WhatsApp with families. There are still hundreds of stranded pilgrims and residents in Machail and Hamori villages, further up from the affected zone. Communication with them is hampered by power outages that have drained mobile phone batteries.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, assuring them of all possible assistance, reported PTI.

Search operations continue to locate survivors and recover bodies, with villagers reporting at least 10 bodies floating in the Chenab River. Efforts are underway to retrieve them. The flash floods also destroyed a security camp, several shops, a langar (community kitchen), and numerous vehicles at the bus stand, the starting point for the Machail Mata pilgrimage. A temple in the centre of the flooded area survived the deluge.

The disaster struck on Thursday, killing at least 46 people, including two CISF personnel and leaving dozens missing. The cloudburst sent torrents of water, mud, and debris through the village, a base camp for the annual Machail Mata Yatra, burying homes, shops, and vehicles.