KISHTWAR, Aug 14 — A massive cloudburst struck Chasoti village in the Padder sub-division of Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district on Thursday, triggering flash floods along the Machail Mata Yatra route. Authorities fear casualties, with local sources reporting that between 200 and 300 people, including pilgrims, may be trapped.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, the sudden deluge washed away a community kitchen (langar) serving yatris, raising concerns of significant loss of life. Ababeel NGO has reported six to seven deaths, though the toll has not been officially confirmed.
Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Pankaj Kumar Sharma said rescue teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), police, and Army have been deployed to the site. Union Minister Jitendra Singh posted on X that the administration “has immediately swung into action” and that damage evaluation, rescue, and medical arrangements are in progress.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha is monitoring relief operations. The Meteorological Centre Srinagar has issued an alert for heavy rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir for the next four to six hours, warning of possible further disruptions.
Authorities have advised devotees of the Machail Mata Shrine to avoid travelling to Padder until weather conditions improve and the situation stabilises. Rescue work is ongoing.
Anzer Ayoob is the Founder and Chief Editor to The Chenab Times