Chisoti village (Kishtwar, J\&K): Hope is fading for the survival of 75 people still missing after a massive cloudburst-triggered flash flood and landslide devastated Chisoti village. As the search and rescue operation entered its sixth day on Tuesday, the official death toll climbed to 66 with the recovery of two more bodies.
Ongoing Rescue Operations
- Forces Deployed:
- NDRF, SDRF, Indian Army, BRO, local police, and civil agencies are engaged in round-the-clock operations.
- The Army has deployed Specialist Mobility Vehicles and ATVs to aid operations in the rugged terrain.
- Heavy machinery like JCBs and LNTs is being used to clear debris.
- Controlled explosions have been carried out to remove massive boulders obstructing searches.
- Key Search Sites:
- The langar (community kitchen) where many pilgrims were eating or resting when the flood struck.
- The stream impacted by the flood, damaged homes, and shops.
Casualties and Missing Persons
- 66 confirmed deaths so far, including:
- Pilgrims
- 7 local residents
- 3 CISF personnel
- 1 SPO from J\&K Police
- Victims include men, women, and children.
- 60 bodies identified, 3 remain unidentified.
- 75 individuals still missing.
Impact on Chisoti Village
- Flood and mudslide virtually split the village into two.
- 14 residential houses, 2 temples, several shops, and a 30-metre bridge destroyed.
- Army has built a temporary Bailey bridge to restore connectivity and ensure supply of essentials.
Broader Impact
- Families of missing persons continue to wait in anguish near the site.
- The Machail Mata Yatra, which began on July 25, has been suspended for six consecutive days due to the disaster.
Official Statement
An SDRF official said: “The rescue operation will continue until all missing persons are accounted for.”
