At least 12 people have lost their lives after a massive cloudburst struck Chishoti village in the Padder subdivision of Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district on Thursday. Officials fear the death toll could rise as rescue operations continue in the remote area.
The disaster occurred between 12 noon and 1 pm in Chasoti, the last motorable point before the Machail Mata temple, where hundreds of devotees had gathered for the ongoing yatra. From Chasoti, pilgrims embark on an 8.5 km trek to the shrine. The cloudburst triggered sudden flash floods, with a ‘langar’ set up for devotees taking the worst hit.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh said he was informed about the incident by Leader of Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, Sunil Kumar Sharma, and immediately spoke to Kishtwar Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Sharma. “Massive cloudburst in Chositi area, which could result in substantial casualty. Administration has immediately swung into action, rescue team has left for the site. Damage evaluation and necessary rescue and medical management arrangements are being made. My office is receiving regular updates, all possible assistance will be provided,” he wrote on X.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also called Union Home Minister Amit Shah to brief him on the situation. “The news is grim & accurate, verified information from the area hit by the cloudburst is slow in arriving. All possible resources are being mobilised from within & beyond J&K to manage the rescue operations,” Abdullah said, adding that the government would provide updates as soon as reliable details are available.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed grief over the loss of lives and directed civil, police, army, NDRF and SDRF officials to intensify rescue and relief work. “Condolences to bereaved families & prayers for quick recovery of injured. All possible assistance will be provided to the affected,” he posted on X.
The incident comes amid a spell of heavy monsoon rain across northern India, which has caused widespread damage in several hilly states. In Uttarakhand, landslides following intense rainfall have blocked roads, including in Nandprayag, while recent cloudbursts in Uttarkashi have destroyed homes and infrastructure. In Himachal Pradesh, flash floods and landslides have left 396 roads blocked, damaged houses, and washed away vehicles. Authorities there have issued a yellow alert, warning of heavy rainfall until August 20.
Rescue teams in Kishtwar are battling difficult terrain and poor weather conditions to search for survivors, while families of the missing wait anxiously for news.
