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Key Points

The Indian Army swiftly mobilized rescue teams after a devastating cloudburst struck Kishtwar during the Machail Mata Yatra. Flash floods caused over 45 deaths, with survivors evacuated amid rising water and debris. Emergency aid, including food and medical care, was provided on-site. Search operations continue for missing persons as blocked routes are cleared.

Key Points: Indian Army Leads Kishtwar Cloudburst Rescue After Machail Yatra Tragedy

  • Army deployed specialist gear and medical teams for immediate relief
  • Flash floods hit Machail Yatra route at midnight
  • Over 45 dead as rescue teams clear debris
  • Food, water, and blankets provided to survivors
2 min read

Search efforts are ongoing to locate missing persons: Indian Army on Kishtwar cloudburst incident

Indian Army, J&K Police, and SDRF conduct urgent search and rescue after Kishtwar cloudburst kills 45 during Machail Mata Yatra.

"Despite treacherous terrain, troops moved with urgency to reach stranded civilians. – Lt Col Suneel Bartwal, PRO Defence"

Kishtwar, August 15

In a swift and coordinated humanitarian response, the Indian Army, in close synergy with the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Civil Administration and State Disaster Response Force, launched an extensive Search and Rescue Operation following a devastating cloudburst at Village Chisoti, Kishtwar, Indian Army said on Friday.

The incident occurred at about 12:45 am along the route of the ongoing Machail Mata Yatra, causing flash floods and widespread destruction in the area, which resulted in casualties of yatris and locals.

On receiving information, rescue columns from the Indian Army were immediately mobilised to the affected site. Despite the treacherous terrain, rising water levels, and debris-laden flows, troops moved with urgency to reach stranded civilians and provided lifesaving assistance, as per an official statement issued by Lt Col Suneel Bartwal, PRO and Spokesperson Ministry of Defence, Jammu.

The Army rescue teams, equipped with specialist gear and supported by vehicles and medical personnel, evacuated survivors to safer locations and provided immediate first aid. Food, drinking water, blankets and emergency medical care were made available on the spot. Search efforts are ongoing to locate the missing, and engineering assets have been deployed to clear blocked approach routes to ensure uninterrupted relief operations, the press release stated.

A massive cloudburst on Thursday triggered a flash flood in the Chashoti area of Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir, along the route of the Machail Mata Yatra, which led to the loss of over 45 lives. Rescue operations are in full swing in the area, and the victims of the tragedy are being treated in District Hospitals.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
This is so heartbreaking 💔 My prayers with all affected families. The government should improve early warning systems in hilly areas, especially during pilgrimage seasons when so many people travel.
A
Aditya G
While I appreciate the rescue efforts, why do we always wait for disasters to happen? The Machail Yatra route needs better infrastructure and safety measures. Prevention is better than cure!
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Sarah B
As someone who visited Kishtwar last year, I can confirm the terrain is extremely challenging. The Army's work here is nothing short of heroic. Hope the injured recover soon and families get closure about missing loved ones.
K
Karthik V
The coordination between Army, SDRF and local administration is commendable. But we need more helicopters for such operations - road access in Himalayas is always risky during disasters.
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Nisha Z
Om Shanti to all who lost their lives 😔 The locals there are so helpful during yatra season - this tragedy affects the whole community. Government should announce special compensation package.

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