August 21, 2025

The flash floods in Chasoti, Kishtwar, have brought a chilling horror to the region. Over the past two days, rescuers have recovered almost as many severed limbs as full bodies from the raging waters. Villagers and doctors at Atholi sub-district hospital, 30km downhill, are heartbroken and shaken. On Monday, rescuers found one complete body and a severed leg. The next day, four more bodies and two severed feet were brought in, raising the confirmed death toll to 68. But with 72 people still missing and hope for survivors fading, doctors fear the final number will climb much higher. Dr Rakesh Kotwal of Atholi hospital said with a heavy heart, “The way things are, the toll will not stop here.” The nightmare began on August 14 around 1:15pm when Dr Devendra Kumar, at Chasoti, called the hospital with the grim news: “It’s all over, all over, all over. The langar is gone.” He told them that 350-400 people were at the langar when the flood struck—many later found dead. Dr Kotwal added details of the chaos: "About 100 people were on a narrow bridge crossing the stream. We can identify 14 locals, but others came from many places—pilgrims, laborers from UP, Bihar, Jharkhand, and even Nepal. They are not on any official lists." Doctors and locals now see little hope for those still missing. "The last injured arrived on August 16," said Dr Showkat Parray, a surgeon at Atholi hospital. "Since then, it's been only bodies and body parts. There is no chance for survivors now. The missing are gone." Tuesday's sunshine for the first time after the floods let some bodies float to the surface, updating the count further. The medical staff shared their grim reality. "Getting a full body is a relief," said Dr Showkat. "Families can do funeral rites and get closure. But only limbs? Then it’s just a piece, waiting for DNA identification. It’s like an orphaned fact." Limbs and parts are cataloged and sent to Jammu for DNA matching. Naseer Ahmed, hospital accountant, explained, "A severed limb is counted as a dead person until it matches a family’s DNA." Villagers expressed their sorrow too. Abdul Majid, whose nephew is missing, said, “A hand is someone’s son, a foot is someone’s father. We wait now for parts in bags.” Shiv Kumar, who lost his sister and her two children, said they lit a pyre for her torso but still mourn her missing children. Some have lost family members whose remains haven't even been found. Shabnam Begum, who lost her husband and father-in-law, said she avoids the river now. "At first, I stood by hoping for survivors. Now I know it’s only limbs. I can’t watch anymore." On the rescue front, teams from SDRF, NDRF, the Army, and police are working tirelessly but admit survivors are unlikely. Inspector Manoj Kumar of NDRF said, "We are not looking for survivors anymore. We are only recovering the dead." Sub-inspector Altaf Hussain of SDRF shared, "Every whole body we find feels like a mercy. Families can claim them. But mostly, it’s just parts." This tragic event in Chasoti shows nature’s fury and leaves a community in deep pain, waiting for closure amid heartbreak and hope fading fast.

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Tags: Chasoti flash floods, Kishtwar disaster, Flash flood casualties, Body parts recovered, Rescue operations, Jammu hospital,