Srinagar, August 14 — A massive cloudburst struck the Chositi area of Kishtwar district in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, prompting an urgent rescue response amid fears of significant damage and possible casualties. Authorities are still assessing the extent of the impact, as heavy rainfall continues to lash parts of the Union Territory.
Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh confirmed the incident on X, stating that he had spoken to Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Sharma after receiving an urgent message from Leader of Opposition in J&K and local MLA Sunil Kumar Sharma. “Massive cloud burst in Chositi area, which could result in substantial casualty. Administration has immediately swung into action, rescue team has left for the site. Damage evaluation and necessary rescue and medical management arrangements being made. All possible assistance will be provided,” Singh wrote.
Local MLA Sunil Kumar Sharma said the congested conditions in the area, due to an ongoing yatra, could complicate relief efforts. “We don’t have numbers or data yet, but there is a possibility of huge damage. I will speak to the LG and request for an NDRF team to strengthen rescue operations,” he said.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed his grief and directed all agencies to intensify rescue efforts. “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 rescue & relief operations and ensure all possible assistance is provided to the affected,” he posted on X.
Heavy Rainfall Alert Issued
The Meteorological Centre in Srinagar has issued a Nowcast alert for moderate to heavy rainfall over the next 4–6 hours in several districts, warning of potential cloudbursts, flash floods, landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones.
Regions likely to be affected include Kupwara, Baramulla, Bandipora, Srinagar, Ganderbal, hilly parts of Budgam, and areas in Poonch, Rajouri, Reasi, Udhampur, Jammu, Doda, and Kishtwar. The Qazigund–Banihal–Ramban stretch of the Jammu–Srinagar highway is also expected to witness short spells of intense rain, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds.
Authorities have urged residents and pilgrims to remain alert, avoid vulnerable routes, and follow official advisories as rescue and relief operations continue in the affected areas.
