KISHTWAR, Aug 14 — At least 30 people, including two CISF personnel, have died after a massive cloudburst struck Chasoti village in the Padder sub-division of Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district on Thursday. More than 100 others have been injured, and over 200 are reported missing.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, the incident triggered flash floods along the Machail Mata Yatra route, washing away a community kitchen (langar) and trapping hundreds, including pilgrims. Rescue teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), police, Army, and more than 30 ambulances — including all units of Ababeel — are on the scene.
Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Pankaj Kumar Sharma confirmed that large-scale search and rescue operations are underway. Union Minister Jitendra Singh said on X that the administration “has immediately swung into action” and is coordinating medical and relief arrangements. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha is monitoring the situation.
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 conditions improve.
Anzer Ayoob is the Founder and Chief Editor to The Chenab Times