Jammu and Kashmir has faced the harsh reality of nature’s power once again. A sudden cloudburst in the Union Territory has caused destruction, turning villages into places of despair.
The disaster struck Chisoti village in Kishtwar within minutes. What started as heavy rainfall quickly changed into a fierce cloudburst, releasing torrents of water and mud that destroyed homes, roads, and the camps for the Machail Mata Yatra.
Over 60 people have lost their lives, many others have been injured, and several are still missing. For families in its path, the response time was almost nonexistent; the downpour arrived with an intensity that was impossible to endure.
In the Kathua district, another cloudburst caused seven deaths and widespread damage. Rescue teams, local residents, and security forces continue to navigate the difficult terrain, searching for survivors and comforting those who have lost everything. The sight of shattered homes, uprooted trees, and grieving families shows both heartache and resilience.
Experts warn that such incidents are becoming more common. Cloudbursts—a sudden flood that dumps large amounts of rain in a very short time—are increasingly frequent in the Himalayas. They attribute this rise mainly to climate change.
Rising temperatures are changing weather patterns, creating conditions for extreme cloud formations. At the same time, uncontrolled construction and deforestation in vulnerable mountain areas worsen the situation, decreasing the land’s ability to absorb rainfall and raising the risk of flash floods and landslides.
For the people of Jammu and Kashmir, this disaster underscores their vulnerability. However, it also highlights the urgent need for better early warning systems, improved disaster preparedness, and more sustainable development practices in the mountainous regions.
As search and rescue operations continue, the weight of grief is palpable. Yet, amid the destruction, stories of courage and solidarity emerge—neighbors helping each other, strangers offering shelter, and rescuers working tirelessly against the odds. While nature’s fury can be unpredictable, the determination of the people remains strong.
