Massive cloudburst hits Kishtwar’s Chashoti near Machail Mata Yatra route in J&K, casualties feared

KISHTWAR (Jammu and Kashmir): A massive cloudburst on Thursday triggered a flash flood in the Chashoti area of Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir, along the route of the Machail Mata Yatra. As per the Deputy Commissioner of Kishtwar, Pankaj Sharma, the rescue operations are underway.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh said a massive cloudburst struck the Chashoti area in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir, prompting the administration to launch rescue operations and make arrangements for medical aid immediately. He feared that the disaster “could possibly lead to substantial casualties”.

In a post on X, Jitendra Singh wrote, “Just now spoke to DC Kishtwar Sh Pankaj Kumar Sharma after receiving an urgent message from LoP #JammuAndKashmir and local MLA Sh Sunil Kumar Sharma”. Singh said that damage evaluation and, necessary rescue and medical management arrangements are being made.

Just now spoke to DC Kishtwar Sh Pankaj Kumar Sharma after receiving an urgent message from LoP #JammuAndKashmir and local MLA Sh Sunil Kumar Sharma.

Massive cloud burst in Chositi area, which could result in substantial casualty. Administration has immediately swung into…

— Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) August 14, 2025

“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. Damage evaluation and, necessary rescue and medical management arrangements being made. My office receiving regular updates, all possible assistance will be provided,” the post read.

“It also happens to be the route of the popular Machail Mata Yatra which takes place there. The cloudburst is on a massive scale, which could possibly lead to substantial casualties. We immediately got in touch with the District authorities, who were also at a loss, as it had taken everyone by surprise. They have already started moving towards the site of the incident. Very soon we will know more details. Every possible assistance will be provided. The administration will also make arrangements for heli-rescue for medical treatment”, he said

Jammu & Kashmir LG Manoj Sinha directed Army and NDRF officials to strengthen rescue efforts, “Anguished by cloudburst in Chositi Kishtwar. Condolences to bereaved families and 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.”

Anguished by cloudburst in Chositi 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.

— Office of LG J&K (@OfficeOfLGJandK) August 14, 2025

Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, offered condolences to the beraved families. “Anguished by cloudburst in Chositi 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,” the office of LG J-K said on X.

Jammu and Kashmir LoP and Padder-Nagseni MLA Sunil Kumar Sharma warned of possible heavy damage. He called for an NDRF team to assist in rescue operations.

Sunil Kumar Sharma said, “We don’t have any numbers or data yet, but there is a possibility of huge damage there. Currently, we don’t have any numbers or data. Due to the ongoing yatra, the area is congested. I will speak to the LG and ask for an NDRF team for rescue operations”.

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) said it has rushed two teams to the spot. Further details on the incident are still awaited. (ANI)