In a tragic manifestation of extreme weather, at least 37 people have perished in Chisoti, a town in the Kishtwar district of Indian-administered Kashmir, after a sudden cloudburst triggered devastating flash floods. This incident marks the second severe weather-related disaster in the Himalayan region in just over a week.
Key Facts
- The catastrophic event occurred on Thursday morning, following a cloudburst that led to torrential rains over the region.
- Chisoti, affected severely, is a key location along the pilgrimage route to the Machail Mata temple, a significant religious site dedicated to Goddess Durga.
- Rescue operations have brought at least 100 people to safety, while the bodies of 37 victims have been recovered so far.
Background
The India Meteorological Department defines a cloudburst as an intense, sudden rainfall event that drops at least 100mm of rain within an hour, often causing flash floods and landslides in susceptible mountainous regions. This natural phenomenon is particularly perilous during the monsoon season when the ground is already saturated and unable to absorb any additional water.
Timeline/What We Know
The cloudburst occurred at approximately 11:30am local time, unleashing massive floods that swept through Chisoti. The floodwaters were powerful enough to sweep away a community kitchen and a security post, both set up to accommodate the influx of pilgrims at the Machail Mata temple. Television footage captured the chaos, showing pilgrims in distress as waters surged through the town.
Official Reactions
Omar Abdullah, the chief minister of the federal territory of Jammu and Kashmir, described the situation as ‘grim’ and noted that details were emerging slowly from the remote site. Mohammed Irshad, a senior disaster management official, confirmed the death toll and highlighted the ongoing search and rescue efforts. Ramesh Kumar, divisional commissioner of Kishtwar, reported that the police and disaster response teams were actively engaged on the ground, supported by army and air force units.
What’s Next
The Srinagar weather office has issued warnings for more intense rainfall in parts of Kashmir, including the already devastated Kishtwar district. Authorities are urging the public to avoid unstable structures, power lines, and old trees, as the risk of further landslides and flash floods remains high. Rescue and recovery efforts are continuing, with teams working tirelessly to locate any potential survivors and provide relief to those affected.