In a heart-wrenching calamity, a massive cloudburst struck the Chositi area of Kishtwar district in Jammu and Kashmir, claiming the lives of at least 32 people, and leaving over 120 others injured. The disaster has cast a deep shadow of grief over the region, as rescue and relief efforts continue at full pace.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed deep anguish over the tragedy. In a post on X, the Office of J&K LG stated, ‘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.’
Leader of the Opposition and MLA, Padder, Nagseni, Sunil Kumar Sharma, who has been closely monitoring the situation, voiced his concern and commitment to supporting the affected communities. Sharma, who recently reviewed arrangements for the ongoing Machail Mata Yatra 2025, stressed the urgency of swift action. ‘The flash flood at Chashoti, a critical starting point for the Machail Mata Yatra, is a tragic event. I have coordinated with the district administration to ensure rescue operations are prioritized and that pilgrims and residents receive all necessary support’, he said. He also called for enhanced safety measures along the yatra route, especially in landslide-prone areas like Pathernaki.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kishtwar, Pankaj Kumar Sharma, confirmed the severity of the incident. ‘A flash flood has occurred at Chashoti area in Kishtwar, which is the starting point of the Machail Mata Yatra. Rescue operations have been initiated immediately, with teams from the SDRF, NDRF, and local police deployed to the site. We are working tirelessly to assess the damage and ensure the safety of residents and pilgrims’, he stated.
The Shree Machail Mata Yatra, which began on July 25 and is scheduled to continue until September 5, draws thousands of devotees each year to the revered Chandi Mata Mandir in Machail, Paddar Valley. Under the guidance of Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar and with support from the Machail Mata Yatra Cell, the district administration had put comprehensive arrangements in place, including sanitation, security, and medical facilities, to ensure a smooth pilgrimage. Special medical booths stocked with medicines and staffed by doctors were set up along the route.
However, the cloudburst has severely disrupted the pilgrimage, damaging the motorable road from Padder to Chashoti and impacting the subsequent 8.5 km foot trek to Machail.
The entire Union Territory mourns this tragic loss. As a mark of respect for the victims, the Jammu and Kashmir Government has announced the cancellation of all cultural programs scheduled for 15 August.
Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory Disaster Management Authority (JKUTDMA) has issued a high-alert weather advisory. Heavy rainfall is expected over Anantnag, Bandipora, Baramulla, Doda, Ganderbal, Jammu, Kishtwar, Kupwara, Poonch, Rajouri, Ramban, Reasi, Udhampur, and Budgam in the next 3–5 hours, with a heightened risk of cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides. Residents are urged to remain vigilant, avoid vulnerable areas, and call 112 in case of any emergency.
