A devastating cloudburst in Kishtwar, Jammu & Kashmir, has claimed 37 lives, mostly pilgrims, and left around 100 injured, triggering massive rescue and relief operations.

Authorities are continuing search operations for missing persons as the disaster has left the region in shock and grief.

According to local officials, the incident occurred during a religious pilgrimage in the mountainous area of Kishtwar, where sudden heavy rainfall led to a massive cloudburst. The force of the water swept away tents, temporary shelters, and people in its path.

Rescue teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Army, and local volunteers, have been deployed to the site. Helicopters have also been pressed into service to airlift the injured to hospitals. Many of the injured are reported to be in critical condition.

Authorities fear that the death toll may rise as several people are still missing. Locals have described the incident as one of the most severe disasters in the area’s recent history, with the terrain and weather conditions making rescue efforts extremely challenging.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Jammu & Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha have expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and announced ex-gratia relief for the victims’ families.

Officials have advised pilgrims and tourists to exercise extreme caution in the region, especially during the monsoon season when cloudbursts and landslides are common. Relief camps have been set up for the survivors, and medical teams are working round the clock to assist the injured.

This tragedy highlights the growing vulnerability of Himalayan regions to extreme weather events, which have been increasing in frequency in recent years, raising concerns about climate change and its impact on fragile ecosystems.