Jammu: The Army has joined the relief and rescue operations in Chisoti village, Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir, following a devastating cloudburst that has claimed at least 46 lives and left over 160 people rescued, officials said.
Among those rescued, 38 are reported to be in critical condition. The death toll continued to rise through the day, raising concerns that it may climb further.
“In the aftermath of the cloudburst in Chisoti village, troops of the White Knight Corps were quickly deployed to assist in relief and rescue operations,” a Jammu-based Army PRO said.
The Army’s efforts are focused on protecting lives and supporting survivors, with search operations for the missing ongoing, the spokesperson added. Relief supplies, medical teams, and rescue equipment have been rushed to the site.
A total of 300 troops, organized into five columns of 60 personnel each, along with medical detachments from White Knight Corps, are working on the ground in coordination with police, SDRF, and other civilian agencies, the PRO said. “Search operations continue, with medical aid and support being provided to affected families,” he added.
The disaster struck Chisoti, the last motorable village en route to the Machail Mata temple, between 12 noon and 1 pm on Friday. A large number of pilgrims had gathered for the annual Machail Mata yatra, which began on July 25 and is scheduled to conclude on September 5. The 8.5-km trek to the 9,500-feet-high shrine starts from Chisoti, located approximately 90 km from Kishtwar town.
