Kishtwar Cloudburst Horror: ‘It was like the sky tore apart and fell on us,” say survivors
‘We were swept by the water like leaves in a storm’
By: Our Special Correspondent
Kishtwar: The serene hills of Kishtwar turned into a scene of devastation on Thursday as a massive cloudburst ripped through Chisoti village, leaving over 60 people dead and dozens missing. In the wake of the tragedy, the annual Machail Mata Yatra has been suspended, with authorities focusing all resources on rescue and relief operations.
Survivors described scenes of unimaginable terror as walls of water, boulders and mud came crashing down within seconds.
“We heard a deafening bang, and before we could understand what was happening, a torrent of water and debris swallowed everything,” said Ramesh Kumar, a shopkeeper whose home was swept away. “We could not move an inch — the water dragged us like we were leaves in a storm.”
Sunita Devi, who was visiting relatives in the village, recalled clinging to a tree branch for dear life. “It was pitch dark, and I could hear people screaming. The ground shook under my feet as if the whole mountain was collapsing,” she said, tears streaming down her face.
Vijay Singh, a pilgrim on his way to Machail Mata shrine, narrowly escaped the deluge. “We had just stopped for tea when we heard the roar. In minutes, the path behind us was gone. If we had been a little late, we wouldn’t be here to tell the story,” he said.
Rescue teams — including the Army, SDRF and local volunteers — have been working round the clock to clear debris and search for survivors. Many areas remain cut off due to landslides, making operations even more challenging.
Rajni Sharma, who lost her two young sons in the tragedy, could barely speak.
“I called their names, but there was only silence. The water took them away before my eyes,” she whispered, clutching a mud-soaked shawl.
Officials confirmed that the Machail Yatra will remain suspended until the situation stabilises.
“Our priority right now is saving lives and providing relief to those affected,” a senior administration officer said.
As the village mourns its dead, locals say the road to recovery will be long. “Houses can be rebuilt, but the pain of losing loved ones will stay forever,” said Hari Om, a farmer who lost his brother in the disaster.
