KISHTWAR, Aug 19 — The death toll from the cloudburst that struck Chasoti village in Padder sub-division of Kishtwar district has risen to 67, after three more bodies were recovered on Tuesday morning.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, the toll stood at 63 on Sunday, before another victim was found on Monday. With today’s recovery, the figure has climbed further even as search operations continue for dozens still missing.
The disaster, which occurred on August 14, triggered flash floods along the Machail Mata Yatra route, sweeping away a community kitchen and trapping hundreds, including pilgrims. More than 100 people have been injured, and over 200 were initially reported missing.
Rescue operations involving the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), police, Army, and local volunteers remain underway. Authorities have deployed over 30 ambulances, including support from NGOs such as Ababeel, to aid in the evacuation and medical response.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha earlier assured that all possible assistance would be extended to the affected families. Meanwhile, the Meteorological Centre Srinagar has continued to warn of further heavy rainfall, prompting authorities to advise pilgrims and locals against travelling to Padder until conditions stabilise.
Officials said the focus now is on recovering those still unaccounted for, while providing relief to survivors in the remote mountainous region.
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Anzer Ayoob is the Founder and Chief Editor to The Chenab Times
