I can’t even imagine the pain that families in Kishtwar are going through right now. You know, I’ve grown up seeing the monsoon’s beauty and its fury, but what happened in Chositi village… it’s heartbreaking. On the eve of our Independence Day, instead of preparing for celebrations, we are counting lives lost. A massive cloudburst tore through this quiet mountain settlement, washing away homes, dreams, and people. Officials say dozens are dead — and many more are still trapped under debris. The sound of rain has turned into the sound of loss for the people here.
CM Omar Abdullah’s decision amid grief
In light of the tragedy caused by the cloud burst in Kishtwar I have taken the decision to cancel the “At Home” tea party tomorrow evening. We have also decided not to go ahead with the cultural events during the morning Independence Day celebrations. The formal events – speech,…
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) August 14, 2025
In the wake of this unimaginable tragedy, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah made a decision that spoke volumes. The ‘At Home’ tea party planned for the evening of Independence Day has been cancelled. Even the morning’s cultural programs — the music, the dance, the joy — have been set aside. Only the formal state functions like the speech and the ceremonial march past will take place, and the CM will take the salute at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar. As he said in his post on X, the time is for mourning, not celebration. I think that’s a decision that resonates with every one of us who feels this loss.
The scale of devastation in Chositi village
The numbers are painful to read — at least 46 people gone, among them two CISF personnel. Homes, fields, and entire livelihoods have been washed away. Survivors talk of flash floods arriving with such force that there was barely time to react. I’ve seen pictures and they’re not just images — they’re stories of people whose lives will never be the same again. In remote mountain villages like Chositi, where access is already tough, disasters like these make rescue operations even harder.
Relief operations and national response
Officials and locals are working side by side, digging through debris and battling muddy terrain to reach survivors. The administration is pressing all available resources into service, including helicopters for aerial rescues and medical evacuations. NDRF teams have been rushed to the site to assist in the search and rescue operations.
In a statement, the Prime Minister said he had spoken with the Lieutenant Governor and the Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir regarding the situation. He assured that the local administration is fully engaged in relief work, with NDRF teams already deployed. “We are closely monitoring the situation and stand firmly with the people of Jammu and Kashmir through every situation,” he said, promising all possible assistance to those in need.
My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the cloudburst and flooding in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir. The situation is being monitored closely. Rescue and relief operations are underway. Every possible assistance will be provided to those in need.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 14, 2025
For those still missing, every passing hour feels heavier. Relief camps are being set up, but the road ahead for Kishtwar is going to be long. Right now, the focus is on saving lives and giving comfort to those who’ve lost everything.
Disclaimer: This report is based on official statements, media inputs, and on-ground updates about the Kishtwar cloudburst. Details may evolve as rescue and relief operations continue.
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