A deadly cloudburst tore through Chasoti village in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district on Thursday, claiming at least 17 lives and leaving over 50 injured. The incident occurred around midday along the pilgrimage route to the revered Machail Mata temple, halting the annual yatra and triggering chaos in the remote mountainous region.

The natural calamity struck when a large number of devotees had gathered for the trek. Located at approximately 9,500 feet above sea level, Chasoti serves as the final motorable point before the 8.5-km journey to the hilltop shrine begins. Among the deceased is a Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) jawan assigned to yatra security, while three other personnel remain missing.

Flash Flood Wreaks Havoc on Devotees

The sudden cloudburst led to violent flash flooding, submerging tents, camps, and a community kitchen (langar) set up for pilgrims. Eyewitness videos show panicked evacuations, with rescue workers and security forces instructing people to move to higher ground as muddy torrents rushed through the area.

As a result, authorities swiftly suspended the pilgrimage. The Deputy Commissioner of Kishtwar, Pankaj Kumar Sharma, confirmed that rescue teams were dispatched without delay and operations are now underway.

“A flash flood has occurred at Chashoti area in Kishtwar, which is the starting point of the Machail Mata Yatra. Rescue Operations have been started,” he said while en route to the site, accompanied by Senior Superintendent of Police Naresh Singh.

Massive Rescue Effort Launched

In response to the crisis, over 180 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel were mobilized from Udhampur, equipped with the latest rescue tools. Teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Indian Army, and local administration joined efforts to search for the missing and assist those affected.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh, who represents the region in Parliament, revealed he was alerted by the local MLA and Leader of Opposition, Sunil Kumar Sharma.

“A massive cloud burst in Chositi area, which could result in substantial casualty. Administration has immediately swung into action, rescue team has left for the site,” Singh said on X (formerly Twitter). “Damage evaluation and necessary rescue and medical management arrangements are being made,” he added.

National Leaders Respond

Union Home Minister Amit Shah reached out to both Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to assess the situation. Shah assured that the central government would extend every form of assistance required for relief and rescue.

Jammu and Kashmir’s LG Manoj Sinha expressed his sorrow at the tragedy and called for intensified relief operations, “Anguished by cloudburst in Chosoti Kishtwar. Condolences to bereaved families & prayers for quick recovery of injured. Directed Civil, Police, Army, NDRF & SDRF officials to strengthen the rescue & relief operations and ensure all possible assistance is provided to the affected,” he posted on X.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah confirmed that he has spoken with Amit Shah regarding the evolving situation and emphasised that verified information from the site is being gathered carefully.

“The news is grim & accurate, verified information from the area hit by the cloud burst is slow in arriving. All possible resources are being mobilised from within & beyond J&K to manage the rescue operations. The government will share information as & when possible,” he said on X.

Cloudburst Adds to India’s Monsoon Misery

The Kishtwar cloudburst is one of several deadly weather events linked to intense monsoon conditions this month. In Himachal Pradesh, nearly 400 roads have been rendered impassable by landslides and flash floods. While no deaths have been reported there, infrastructure damage is widespread.

Uttarakhand is also grappling with the aftermath of recent cloudbursts. In Dharali and Harsil villages of Uttarkashi, flash floods caused by similar incidents earlier this month swept away homes and triggered emergency response efforts. Roads and bridges have since been rebuilt to restore relief supply routes.