At least 23 people lost their lives and 75 others sustained injuries after a devastating cloudburst triggered massive flooding in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir, plunging the region into chaos on Thursday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, assuring full central support. “My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the cloudburst and flooding in Kishtwar. The situation is being monitored closely. Rescue and relief operations are underway. Every possible assistance will be provided to those in need,” PM Modi posted on X.

Officials reported that many of the injured were airlifted to hospitals, as the disaster struck a remote location with limited road access. Helicopters, along with ground teams from the Army, NDRF, SDRF, and local authorities, are engaged in a massive joint operation to rescue stranded residents and deliver medical aid.

Minister of State in the PMO, Dr. Jitendra Singh, confirmed that rapid damage assessment is underway, promising full relief support. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha called the incident “deeply distressing” and ordered all civil and security agencies to intensify operations.

Former CM Omar Abdullah briefed Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the situation, confirming that additional resources are being mobilised from across the Union Territory. BJP leader and LoP Sunil Sharma personally reached the site alongside senior district officials to oversee rescue efforts.

The ADC Kishtwar has suspended the Shri Machail Yatra until further notice, as the cloudburst hit near the pilgrimage route.