At least 34 people have lost their lives and dozens more are missing after flash floods swept through Chositi, a remote village in the Kishtwar district of Indian-controlled Kashmir. The floods, triggered by a sudden cloudburst on Thursday, struck along a popular pilgrimage route leading to a Himalayan shrine, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.
The disaster submerged large parts of the village, destroying buildings, washing away vehicles, and sweeping through a community kitchen where pilgrims had gathered for lunch, according to reports by the BBC.
Authorities confirmed that at least 50 individuals remain unaccounted for, while dozens have been safely evacuated. Rescue efforts are ongoing, though hampered by washed-out roads and continued poor weather conditions. The use of helicopters has been ruled out due to low visibility and adverse flying conditions.
Dr. Jitendra Singh, a federal minister representing Jammu and Kashmir in parliament, described the flooding as occurring on a “massive scale,” noting the challenges emergency teams face in reaching the affected area. “Rescue teams are finding it difficult to reach the site,” he said, warning that the death toll may rise.
A resident of Atholi, a neighboring village, reported witnessing at least 15 bodies brought into the local hospital. Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as torrents of muddy water destroyed homes and infrastructure, leaving survivors caked in mud as they searched for loved ones.
Omar Abdullah, the region’s Chief Minister, called the disaster a “tragedy” and announced the cancellation of certain events planned for Indian Independence Day celebrations on Friday. “The news from Kishtwar is grim,” he stated, adding that official updates from the area are arriving slowly due to the remote location. “All available resources are being mobilised to support rescue efforts.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his condolences to the victims and pledged full federal support. “Every possible assistance will be provided to those affected,” he said in a statement.
The flash floods in Kashmir are part of a broader pattern of severe weather across northern India in recent weeks. Heavy rainfall has led to widespread flooding in several states. Just days earlier, nearly half of Dharali village in Uttarakhand was submerged. Officials reported that 66 residents remain missing there, with only one body recovered so far.
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