12 dead as massive cloudburst triggers flash floods in J&K’s Kishtwar; yatra suspended, rescue efforts on

Immediate rescue operations were started and several pilgrims were evacuated from the affected area.

Officials told news agency PTI that 12 bodies have been recovered so far, warning that the death toll could rise.

Chashoti, the starting point of the Machail Mata Yatra and the last motorable village en route to the Himalayan shrine of Mata Chandi, has seen the annual pilgrimage suspended in the wake of the flooding.

“A flash flood has occurred at Chashoti area in Kishtwar, which is the starting point of the Machail Mata Yatra. Rescue operations have been started,” said Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Pankaj Sharma, who is heading to the site along with Senior Superintendent of Police Naresh Singh.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed 180 personnel from its Udhampur base, equipped with modern rescue gear, to the disaster-hit region.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh, who represents J&K’s Udhampur constituency, said he was informed about the incident by Leader of Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly and local MLA Sunil Kumar Sharma.

“The cloudburst is of a massive scale, which could possibly lead to substantial casualties. We immediately got in touch with the district authorities, who were also at a loss, as it had taken everyone by surprise. They have already started moving towards the site of the incident. Very soon, we will know more details. Every possible assistance will be provided. The administration will also make arrangements for heli-rescue for medical treatment,” he told news agency ANI.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s office said he is in touch with the district administration to oversee relief efforts.

“Chief Minister has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic cloudburst in Kishtwar, extending condolences to the bereaved families. The Chief Minister's office is in touch with the district administration, and all the measures for relief and rescue are being taken,” it said.

Abdullah also spoke to Home Minister Amit Shah, adding that "all possible resources are being mobilised from within & beyond J&K to manage the rescue operations."

Home Minister Amit Shah said the Centre is closely monitoring the situation and providing all resources to ensure prompt rescue and relief to the affected people.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also issued directions to intensify rescue operations.

“Anguished by cloudburst in Chashoti Kishtwar. Condolences to bereaved families and prayers for quick recovery of injured. Directed Civil, Police, Army, NDRF and SDRF officials to strengthen the rescue and relief operations and ensure all possible assistance is provided to the affected,” he said.