J&K CM Omar Abdullah Speaks To PM Modi, Briefs Him On Kishtwar Cloudburst

Last Updated:August 15, 2025, 11:45 IST

A massive cloudburst struck the Chositi village of J&K's Kishtwar district on Thursday, triggering flash floods that swept over several houses and government buildings.

J&K CM Omar Abdullah with PM Modi at the latter's official residence in New Delhi (PMO/File)

Kishtwar Cloudburst: Prime Minister Narendra Modi dialled Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday, who briefed him about the steps taken by the administration to provide relief after the deadly cloudburst in Kishtwar district on Thursday.

“I just received a call from Hon PM @narendramodi Sb. I briefed him about the situation in Kishtwar & the steps being taken by the administration. My government & the people hit by this tragic cloudburst are grateful for his support & all the assistance provided by the Union Government," Abdullah said on X.

At least 46 people, including two CISF personnel, have been confirmed killed due to a massive cloudburst that struck Chositi village in the remote Kishtwar district, while 167 people have been rescued with injuries. At least 69 people are reported to be still missing.

ALSO READ: Kishtwar Cloudburst: Death Toll Rises To 46, 167 Rescued; Search Ops Continue | Latest Updates

A large number of devotees had gathered in Chositi, around 90 km from Kishtwar town, for the annual Machail Mata Yatra when the cloudburst struck. A ‘langar’ (community kitchen) set up for pilgrims was among the worst-hit structures. Several shops and a security post were also swept away by the flash floods.

“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," PM Modi wrote on X.

Meanwhile, Abdullah said his administration had decided not to go ahead with cultural events during the Independence Day celebrations today and cancelled an ‘At Home’ tea party in the evening. He had also briefed Union Home Minister Amit Shah about the situation and said all possible resources were being mobilised to manage the rescue operations.

Local administration teams are on the ground, evacuating residents, providing medical assistance and working to restore normalcy in the affected areas. Authorities are assessing damage and prioritising the safety of people in vulnerable zones.

Aveek Banerjee

Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international...Read More

Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international...

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Srinagar, India, India

First Published:

August 15, 2025, 11:45 IST

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