NEW DELHI: A massive cloudburst struck the Chositi (also called Chishoti) village in the Paddar region of Jammu & Kashmir’s Kishtwar district on Thursday afternoon, unleashing sudden flash floods that devastated the route of the ongoing Machail Mata Yatra pilgrimage.
The disaster occurred at the last motorable point before the 8.5-kilometre uphill trek to the shrine. Hundreds of devotees, local vendors, and volunteers were gathered near community kitchens (langars) when the surging waters hit, sweeping away tents, vehicles, and makeshift stalls.
Deadly Flash Floods hit Kishtwar
Officials from the Jammu & Kashmir Disaster Management Department have so far confirmed 12 fatalities. However, multiple independent reports from rescue agencies and eyewitness accounts place the number of dead between 30 and 38, with more than 100 people injured.
Several others remain missing, prompting fears that the toll could rise as search operations continue.
Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the Indian Army, and J&K Police have been deployed. Rescue workers are facing significant challenges due to washed-out approach roads, slippery terrain, and continued heavy rains.
Helicopters have been kept on standby for airlifting the critically injured once weather conditions permit.
The Machail Mata Yatra—one of the region’s most significant religious pilgrimages—has been suspended until further notice. Pilgrims en route are being evacuated to safer areas.
Survivors described the event as a “wall of water” roaring through the narrow valley with little warning. “Within minutes, the whole area was submerged. People ran in every direction, but the current was too strong,” said one pilgrim who managed to climb to higher ground.
The cloudburst followed a night of intense rainfall across Kishtwar and adjoining areas. Meteorological experts note that such extreme, localized weather events are becoming more frequent in the Himalayas, often linked to climate change.
“This is not an isolated incident—mountainous regions are seeing a dangerous trend of sudden, high-intensity rainfall events,” a senior weather official commented.
