A catastrophic cloudburst struck Chositi village in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district on Thursday, claiming at least 46 lives and injuring over 100 people. The disaster obliterated a pilgrims’ camp along the Machail Mata Yatra route, leaving many devotees unaccounted for as rescue operations continue. Authorities warn the death toll may rise as teams work to locate survivors amidst the wreckage.
The cloudburst triggered flash floods that swept away 10 homes, four temples, four government buildings, and a bridge in the remote village. The Machail Mata Yatra, a significant pilgrimage, has been suspended indefinitely due to the destruction. Among the deceased are two Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) jawans, with 37 critically injured individuals transferred to District Hospital Kishtwar and 70 to 80 others receiving treatment in Paddar, reports indicate.
Rescue efforts are underway, with the Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) mobilizing to assist. So far, 98 people have been rescued, but over 200 remain missing, according to posts on X. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah briefed Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the crisis, emphasizing the urgency of the response. The rugged terrain and ongoing adverse weather conditions are complicating efforts to reach those stranded or buried under debris.
Local officials are coordinating with multiple agencies to provide medical care and support to affected families. The scale of the disaster has prompted swift action, with helicopters deployed to airlift the injured. As the region grapples with the aftermath, authorities are assessing the full extent of the damage while prioritizing the safety of survivors. The suspension of the pilgrimage underscores the severity of the destruction, leaving the community in mourning and the nation focused on the ongoing rescue mission.
