The devastation caused by the cloudburst and landslide in Chisoti, Kishtwar has claimed the lives of 68 people so far. Even two days after the accident, no one has been found alive, and 72 people are still missing. As the water recedes, bodies and body parts are being found, raising concerns that the death toll may rise.
Kishtwar: As of now, 68 people have died in the accident caused by the cloudburst and landslide in Chisoti on August 14th. Relief and rescue operations are ongoing, but no one has been found alive after the initial two days. Approximately 100 people were crossing the narrow bridge at the time of the accident. 72 people are still missing, and doctors believe there is little chance of finding any survivors. As the water level decreases, bodies and body parts are being recovered, increasing the risk of a further rise in the death toll.
Heavy devastation due to cloudburst
Due to heavy rainfall, a sudden cloudburst in Chisoti and surrounding areas caused the river to swell. The b currents and landslides swept away several houses and bridges. In the first two days, many bodies and severed limbs were recovered.
Doctors and locals at Atholi Sub-District Hospital say the situation is dire. On Tuesday, four more bodies and two severed legs were brought to the hospital. Based on the events so far, doctors believe that the death toll may increase further.
People present on the bridge at the time of the accident
Dr. Rakesh Kotwal stated that approximately 100 people were crossing the narrow bridge over the river at the time of the accident. Also, 350-400 people were present at the community kitchen (Langar). The deaths of several of them have been confirmed.
Locals and hospital staff say that the death toll may now increase further. The chances of finding any survivors among the missing people are extremely low.
Identification of bodies in the accident
As the floodwaters receded, relief and rescue teams began finding more bodies. Doctors Shaukat Parrey and Rakesh Kotwal stated that when a complete body is found, at least one family can perform the last rites of their relative.
In cases where severed limbs are found, they are separated and sent for DNA testing. This process is used to identify the deceased and create a record of the accident.
Low hope of survival for missing people
The last injured person arrived at the hospital on August 16th. No one has been found alive since then. Doctors and locals say that the chances of survival for the missing people are now almost nil.
Relief and rescue teams are continuously searching the area, but their main focus is now on identifying the bodies and delivering them to their families.
