Chisoti: Search Operation Enters Fourth Day After Deadly Cloudburst
Amid overcast skies, the search for those missing following the cloudburst in Chisoti, a remote village in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district, entered its fourth day on Sunday. Officials said rescuers were hopeful of clearing a major impact site during the day.
Army engineers have begun constructing a Bailey bridge to restore connectivity to the village and the Machail Mata shrine, aiming to bolster rescue efforts.
The cloudburst struck Chisoti, the last motorable village en route to the Machail Mata temple, on August 14. The disaster killed 60 people and left 80 missing, while 167 others were rescued with injuries. Flash floods triggered by the cloudburst caused widespread destruction, flattening a makeshift market, a langar (community kitchen) for pilgrims, 16 houses and government buildings, three temples, four water mills, a 30-meter-long bridge, and over a dozen vehicles.
Giant boulders were scattered across several locations, particularly near the worst-hit langar site. Some boulders obstructing the search were removed through controlled explosions on Saturday evening.
Officials said joint teams comprising police, army, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Border Roads Organisation (BRO), civil administration, and local volunteers continued rescue operations. So far, 50 bodies have been identified and handed over to their families after completion of legal formalities.
Maj Gen A P S Bal, General Officer Commanding the army’s counter-insurgency Delta Force, said engineers surveyed the area following the need for a bridge. “We need a 17-meter bridge to facilitate smooth movement across the river,” he said, adding that it would be completed by Sunday evening.
He noted that the army responded within 45 minutes of receiving information about the disaster. “We are here for the people. Our country follows a ‘whole of nation’ approach, ensuring all types of security—physical and otherwise,” he said. “All deployed security forces are striving to help as many people as possible. In addition to saving lives, we are providing medicine, food, and all necessary supplies.”
The annual Machail Mata yatra, which began on July 25 and was scheduled to conclude on September 5, remained suspended for the fourth consecutive day. The 8.5-km trek to the 9,500-foot-high shrine begins from Chisoti, located about 90 km from Kishtwar town.
Rescuers are using over a dozen earthmovers and other heavy equipment, while the NDRF has deployed dog squads and additional resources to accelerate operations.
