Image Source: Agencies

Aug 14, 2025: Large-scale rescue and relief operations have been launched after a massive cloudburst struck a remote village in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district on Thursday, killing at least 17 people and leading to widespread damage, officials said.

Between 12 p.m. and 1 p.m., when a large number of people were gathered for the Machail Mata yatra, the disaster struck Chasoti, the final motorable village on the way to the Machail Mata temple. The 8.5 kilometre trek to the 9,500-feet-high shrine begins from Chasoti.

Officials stated that 65 people have been rescued so far and that at least 17 deaths have been confirmed. However, there are concerns that the number could rise further. Chasoti is about 90 kilometers from Kishtwar and is 9,500 feet above sea level. A 'langar' (community kitchen) set up for the devotees here bore the brunt of the cloudburst, which led to flash floods and washed away several structures including shops and a security outpost.

In the meantime, Union Home Minister Amit Shah reviewed the situation with the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and promised them all possible assistance. Additionally, Shah stated that teams from the National Disaster Response Force have rushed to the location, and that relief and rescue efforts are being carried out by the local administration. The Home Minister stated that the Central Government is keeping a close eye on the situation and will always support the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He stated, "Assured of all possible assistance to the needy." According to the officials, the tragedy resulted in the suspension of the annual pilgrimage to the shrine while authorities mobilized all resources and made their way to the scene to carry out a massive rescue and relief operation. "A massive cloudburst in Chositi area, which could result in substantial casualty. In a post on X, Union Minister Jitendra Singh stated, "Administration has immediately jumped into action, and the rescue team has left for the site." He claimed to have discussed the matter with Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Pankaj Kumar Sharma as well. From Udhampur to Kishtwar, two National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been rushed. The deputy commissioner, who was on his way to the scene, stated, "Massive rescue operations have been started in the area." Officials added that several houses in the foothills were hit by the flash floods. The incident's death toll was condoled by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. "Angry as a result of a cloudburst in Chositi Kishtwar. Condolences to bereaved families & prayers for quick recovery of injured.

On X, he stated, "Directed officials from the Civil, Police, Army, NDRF, and SDRF to strengthen the rescue and relief operations and ensure that all possible assistance is provided to the affected." Omar Abdullah, the chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, informed Home Minister Amit Shah of the situation. "Grim, accurate, and verified information is slow in arriving," he said of the news. "I just had a conversation with Union Home Minister @AmitShah Sb to inform him of the current situation in Jammu's Kishtwar region. Although verified information from the affected region is slow to arrive, the news is grim and accurate. In a post on X, the chief minister stated that "all possible resources are being mobilized from within and beyond J&K to manage the rescue operations." Sunil Kumar Sharma, Opposition Leader, stated that his employees had informed him that a significant cloudburst had occurred. He stated, "At the moment, I don't think anyone has exact figures but I believe there could be significant damage in the area," noting that the yatra had attracted a large crowd. Former chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad also expressed grief over the incident.

"The cloudburst in Chositi, Kishtwar deeply saddened. Prayers for the quick recovery of the injured and our sincere condolences to the bereaved families. Urge the govt to immediately carry out rescue & relief operations and ensure all possible assistance and treatment for those affected,” he said in a post on X.
Rescue, relief, and recovery efforts could take up to 20 days, according to officials.