At least 12 people have died after a massive cloudburst struck the Chositi area of Kishtwar district in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, triggering flash floods and causing widespread devastation. Officials warned that the death toll could rise, as the disaster hit during the Machail Mata Yatra, when many devotees were present in the area.
Union Minister of State Dr Jitendra Singh confirmed the incident in a post on X, stating he had spoken to Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kishtwar Pankaj Kumar Sharma after receiving an urgent message from the Leader of the Opposition in Jammu and Kashmir and local MLA Sunil Kumar Sharma. “A massive cloudburst in the Chositi area could result in substantial casualties. The administration has immediately swung into action, with rescue teams dispatched to the site. Damage assessment, rescue operations, and medical arrangements are underway, and my office is receiving regular updates,” Dr Singh said.
DC Kishtwar, Pankaj Sharma, confirmed that flash floods occurred in the Chashoti area, the starting point of the Machail Mata Yatra. “Rescue operations have been launched,” he said.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed his condolences on X, writing, “Anguished by the cloudburst in Chositi, Kishtwar. My condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured. I have directed Civil, Police, Army, NDRF, and SDRF officials to strengthen rescue and relief operations and ensure all possible assistance is provided.”
Local MLA Sunil Kumar Sharma voiced concern over the scale of the disaster, saying: “We do not yet have confirmed figures, but there is a possibility of significant damage. The area is congested due to the ongoing yatra. I will speak to the Lieutenant Governor and request that an NDRF team be deployed for rescue work.”
Meanwhile, the Meteorological Centre in Srinagar issued a Nowcast alert warning of moderate to heavy rainfall over the next four to six hours in several parts of Jammu and Kashmir. Authorities have advised residents and pilgrims to remain vigilant against the risks of cloudbursts, flash floods, landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones, particularly in hilly and vulnerable regions. Areas under heightened risk include Kupwara, Baramulla, Bandipora, Srinagar, Ganderbal, the hilly parts of Budgam, and parts of Poonch, Rajouri, Reasi, Udhampur, Jammu, Doda, and Kishtwar.
