Cloudburst in Kishtwar, Jammu-Kashmir; at least 12 dead

At least 12 people died and significant damage occurred after a cloudburst hit a remote village on the route to Machail Mata Temple in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district on Thursday, officials reported.

The cloudburst occurred in Chashoti, the last village accessible by vehicle on the temple route. The incident happened between noon and 1 PM when a large number of people had gathered for the pilgrimage to Machail Mata Temple. The 8.5-kilometer trek to the temple begins from Chashoti.

Officials confirmed that 12 bodies have been recovered, and the death toll may rise. Chashoti is located about 90 kilometers from Kishtwar at an altitude of 9,500 feet. The sudden flood caused by the cloudburst severely damaged a community kitchen set up for pilgrims.

A central minister stated that he had spoken with Kishtwar’s Deputy Commissioner regarding the incident. He wrote, “A major cloudburst has occurred in the Chashoti area, with fears of heavy casualties. The administration has immediately mobilized, and rescue teams have been dispatched to the site.”

Damage assessment is underway, and emergency medical and rescue operations are being organized. Authorities confirmed that the temple’s annual pilgrimage has been suspended, and officials have rushed to the scene to coordinate large-scale relief efforts.

Two teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed from Udhampur to Kishtwar. Officials added that Kishtwar’s Deputy Commissioner and Senior Superintendent of Police have also left for the affected area to oversee rescue operations.

The Deputy Commissioner stated, “A large-scale rescue operation has been launched in the area.”

The Lieutenant Governor expressed grief over the loss of lives and property. He wrote, “Deeply distressed by the cloudburst in Kishtwar’s Chashoti. My condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured.”

Civilian, police, army, NDRF, and SDRF personnel have been instructed to intensify rescue and relief efforts and provide all possible assistance to those affected. Officials reported that sudden floods in the densely populated foothills damaged multiple houses.

An opposition leader stated he had received reports of a major cloudburst incident. He said, “I don’t think anyone has precise figures yet, but there are fears of extensive damage in the area. The high number of pilgrims in the region likely worsened the impact.”