Abdullah Announces Expert Team to Mitigate Future Cloudburst Disasters

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has announced the formation of a specialized team of experts to identify vulnerable areas across the Union Territory and propose measures to prevent future tragedies following the devastating cloudburst in Chisoti village, Kishtwar district. The announcement comes as hope fades for finding survivors among the 39 still missing after the catastrophic event that claimed 64 lives, including three Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel and one Special Police Officer (SPO) of J&K Police.

The cloudburst, which struck Chisoti—the last motorable village en route to the Machail Mata temple—on August 14, unleashed flash floods that obliterated a makeshift market, a community kitchen (langar) for the annual Machail Mata Yatra, and several residential and government buildings. The disaster left 167 people injured, with rescue operations ongoing to recover bodies for families to perform final rites. Abdullah, speaking to reporters in Srinagar, emphasized the grim reality: “With every passing day, the hope for the survival of the missing persons is fading away. Our focus will now be on retrieving the bodies.”

Reflecting on the tragedy, Abdullah noted that the Kishtwar incident was caused by a cloudburst, not a glacial lake outburst, distinguishing it from other regional disasters. He referenced a similar event in Ramban earlier this year, where material damage was significant but loss of life was lower. “This time, the loss of lives is more as a yatra was going on,” he said, highlighting the need for expert intervention to prevent such calamities. “We will have to set up a team of experts to find out the areas that are at most risk and how to minimize losses,” he added.

Also Read: Kishtwar Cloudburst: Death Toll Climbs to 63 as Rescue Efforts Persist

Abdullah’s government has pledged comprehensive support to affected families, addressing demands raised during his visit to Chisoti on August 16, where he assessed the devastation firsthand using a virtual reality headset and met with grieving families. Immediate relief measures include ex-gratia payments of ₹2 lakh for the kin of the deceased, ₹1 lakh for those severely injured, and ₹50,000 for minor injuries, alongside compensation for damaged properties.

The Chief Minister also expressed broader concerns about the Himalayan region’s increasing vulnerability to cloudbursts and glacial lake outbursts, citing similar incidents in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. “We are all now prone to these freak weather events,” he said, advocating for consultations with experts to mitigate risks. He cautioned against hasty regulations on pilgrimages like the Machail Mata Yatra, which attract thousands, noting the need to balance safety with religious sentiments.

On other fronts, Abdullah addressed political controversies, condemning attempts to alter historical narratives, particularly regarding the Partition. “Fiddling with history, especially by politicians, is wrong,” he said, urging that facts be preserved for students to interpret. He also responded to criticism over his signature campaign for restoring J&K’s statehood, dismissing opposition objections as their “job to oppose.”

The ongoing rescue operations, involving the Army, NDRF, SDRF, and local volunteers, continue under challenging conditions, with debris and difficult terrain hindering efforts. Abdullah assured that the administration is committed to supporting affected families and restoring damaged infrastructure, as the region grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy.

Also Read: Kishtwar Cloudburst: Rescue Efforts Persist on Fifth Day Amid Heavy Rains