Chisoti (Kishtwar), August 18, 2025 : Braving relentless rains and treacherous terrain, rescue teams continued large-scale search operations for those missing in cloudburst-hit Chisoti village of Kishtwar on the fifth consecutive day, officials said Monday.
Rescuers, equipped with rain gear, earth movers, and sniffer dogs, worked at multiple locations—particularly near the langar (community kitchen) site, the worst-hit spot. The August 14 cloudburst claimed 61 lives, including three CISF personnel and one Special Police Officer, injured over 100, and left around 50 people missing after a revised count.
The flash floods flattened a makeshift market and langar site for the Machail Mata yatra, damaged 16 houses, government buildings, three temples, four water mills, a bridge, and several vehicles. Despite heavy rains, joint teams of police, Army, NDRF, SDRF, CISF, BRO, civil authorities, and local volunteers remain engaged in search and relief operations.
Army engineers have constructed a Bailey bridge across Chisoti nullah, restoring crucial connectivity to the village and the Machail Mata shrine. All-terrain vehicles have also been deployed to intensify rescue efforts. Officials said controlled explosions were carried out to clear giant boulders blocking the operation.
Meanwhile, the annual Machail Mata yatra—scheduled from July 25 to September 5—remained suspended for the fifth straight day.
