A devastating cloudburst struck the remote Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, leaving more than 30 people dead and several others missing. The sudden downpour triggered flash floods and landslides, sweeping away homes, roads, and livestock in multiple villages.

Local officials said the worst-hit areas were isolated hamlets where rescue teams are struggling to reach due to damaged roads and disrupted communication lines. The Army, State Disaster Response Force, and local volunteers have been deployed to assist in evacuation and relief work.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of destruction, with entire stretches of land submerged and debris blocking access routes. Families have been moved to temporary shelters as authorities continue to search for those reported missing.

The administration has announced ex gratia relief for the families of the deceased and assured that all necessary support will be provided to the survivors. Officials have warned that the death toll may rise as rescue operations progress and more areas become accessible.

The cloudburst has once again highlighted the vulnerability of mountainous regions in the Union Territory to extreme weather events, which experts say are becoming more frequent due to changing climate patterns.