A massive cloudburst hit the Chositi area in Jammu and Kashmir's Kistwar district on Thursday, August 14, triggering flash floods in the region. The incident
occurred at Chashoti, the starting point of the Machail Mata Yatra, prompting authorities to launch urgent rescue operations. Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Pankaj Sharma, confirmed that rescue teams have been mobilised and efforts are underway to ensure the safety of pilgrims and residents in the affected area. However, the exact extent of the damage and possible casualties is yet to be known. "A flash flood has occurred at Chositi area in Kishtwar, which is the starting point of the Machail Mata Yatra. Rescue Operations have been started," said Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Pankaj Sharma. Jammu and Kashmir LG Manoj Sinha assured that all possible assistance is being provided to the affected families. The state police, Indian Army, units of NDRF and SDRF have been pressed into action, he said. "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," LG Manoj Sinha said.
Union Minister of State, Dr. Jitendra Singh, said he had spoken to DC Kishtwar after receiving an urgent message from J&K Leader of Opposition and local MLA Sunil Kumar Sharma. "Just now spoke to DC Kishtwar Pankaj Kumar Sharma after receiving an urgent message from J&K LoP and local MLA Sunil Kumar Sharma. A massive cloud burst in the Chositi area, which could result in substantial casualties. Administration has immediately swung into action, rescue team has left for the site. Damage evaluation and necessary rescue and medical management arrangements being made," Jitendra Singh posted on X.
Jammu and Kashmir LoP, MLA Sunil Kumar Sharma said that the area is "congested" due to the ongoing yatra, speculating the possibility of "hige damage. "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.." he told ANI.
(This is a developing story. More details awaited)
