A massive cloudburst struck Chositi village in the remote Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday afternoon, killing at least 38 people, including two CISF personnel, officials confirmed.
The
cloudburst triggered flash floods, washing away several structures and leaving many more trapped under debris. Officials fear the death toll may rise as rescue operations continue.
So far, 120 people have been rescued, of whom 38 are reported to be in serious condition.
Disaster During Machail Mata Yatra
The tragedy took place between 12 noon and 1 pm in Chositi — the last motorable village on the route to the sacred Machail Mata temple, located at 9,500 feet. The temple yatra began on July 25 and was scheduled to continue till September 5.
A large number of devotees had gathered in Chositi, around 90 km from Kishtwar town, when the cloudburst struck. A ‘langar’ (community kitchen) set up for pilgrims was among the worst-hit structures. Shops and a security post were also swept away by the flash floods.
Army Joins Relief & Rescue Operation
Kishtwar Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Sharma, along with the senior superintendent of police, immediately rushed to the site to supervise rescue efforts.
Multiple agencies, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, Army, and local volunteers, launched a large-scale rescue operation. Two additional NDRF teams from Jammu and Udhampur were deployed to intensify the search and rescue efforts.
“Massive rescue operations have been started in the area,” said the deputy commissioner, speaking en route to Chositi.
J&K CM Cancels Tea Party, Cultural Events
In view of the tragedy, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced the cancellation of the Independence Day tea party and cultural events scheduled for Friday.
“In light of the tragedy caused by the cloudburst in Kishtwar, I have taken the decision to cancel the ‘At Home’ tea party tomorrow (Friday) evening,” Abdullah said in a post on X.
He added that the formal proceedings, including the flag-hoisting and march past at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar, will go ahead as planned.
PM Modi Assures Assistance
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the incident and assured full central assistance to those affected.
“My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the cloudburst and flooding in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir. The situation is being monitored closely. Rescue and relief operations are underway. Every possible assistance will be provided to those in need,” the Prime Minister posted on X.
(With inputs from PTI)
