A heavy downpour hit Chositi, a remote mountain village in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir, on Thursday, August 14, leaving at least 38 people dead, including two CISF personnel, and dozens injured.
The authorities fear that the toll will rise, with several people still missing. So far, around 120 people have been rescued, of whom 38 are said to be in serious condition.
The disaster occurred between noon and 1 p.m., when pilgrims had gathered for the ongoing Machail Mata Yatra. Political leaders across the country express their grief, offer their condolences and assure their assistance.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X: “My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected…The situation is being closely monitored. All possible assistance will be provided to those who need it.”
My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the downpours and floods in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir. The situation is being closely monitored. Rescue and relief operations are underway. All possible assistance will be provided to those who need it.
-Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 14, 2025
President Murmu offers condolences to lives lost
President Droupadi Murmu offered condolences to the lost loves due to the downpour in Kishtwar.
“The news of several deaths due to downpour in Kishtwar, Jammu Kashmir is extremely tragic. I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the success of the relief and rescue operations,” she said in a Hindi statement on X.
Read more: Downpour wreaks havoc in J&K’s Kishtwar, a week after Uttarakhand disaster – Deadly natural calamities
J&K CM cancels house party
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has announced the cancellation of the ‘at home’ tea party and cultural events planned for Independence Day.
“We have also decided not to hold cultural events during the morning Independence Day celebrations. Formal events – speeches, parade, etc. – will go ahead as planned,” he said in a post on X.
In light of the tragedy caused by the cloud burst in Kishtwar, I have made the decision to cancel tomorrow evening’s “At Home” tea party. We have also decided not to organize cultural events during the morning Independence Day celebrations. Formal events – speeches,…
– Omar Abdallah (@OmarAbdullah) August 14, 2025
Former CM Ghulam Nabi Azad expressed deep sadness, urging the government to ensure urgent relief and relief.
Deeply saddened by the downpour in Chositi, Kishtwar. Sincere condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured. Urge the government to immediately carry out rescue and relief operations and ensure all possible assistance and treatment to those affected.
– Ghulam Nabi Azad (@ghulamnazad) August 14, 2025
Rahul Gandhi termed the incident “extremely tragic” and called on the administration to speed up operations while urging Congress workers to extend help on the ground.
जम्मू-कश्मीर के किश्तवाड़ में बादल फटने से आई तबाही के कारण कई लोगों की मौत और कईयों के लापता होने की ख़बर बेहद दुखद है।
मैं प्रभावित परिवारों के प्रति गहरी संवेदनाएं व्यक्त करता हूं और लापता लोगों के जल्द मिलने की आशा करता हूं।
प्रशासन से आग्रह है कि राहत और बचाश
– Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) August 14, 2025
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