Kishtwar cloudburst: 12 dead as flash flood hits Machail Mata pilgrimage route

At least 12 people have lost their lives after a massive cloudburst triggered flash floods in Chishoti village in Jammu and Kashmir’s remote Kishtwar district, on Thursday afternoon. Officials have warned that the death toll could rise as search and rescue efforts continue in the disaster-hit region.

Chishoti serves as the final motorable point for pilgrims undertaking the annual Machail Mata Yatra, a major religious event that attracts thousands from across the Jammu division. The pilgrimage, which began on 25 July and was due to conclude on 5 September, has been suspended following the incident.

Kishtwar deputy commissioner Pankaj Sharma confirmed that rescue teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Army, and police, have been deployed to the area. “A flash flood has occurred at Chishoti, the starting point of the Machail Mata Yatra. Rescue operations have commenced,” he said, adding that he was en route to the site with senior superintendent of police Naresh Singh.

The NDRF has dispatched 180 personnel from its Udhampur base, equipped with specialised rescue equipment, to assist in the operation. Helicopter evacuations are also being prepared for the injured.

Union minister and local MP Jitendra Singh described the cloudburst as “massive in scale” and said the administration was providing every possible form of assistance. He noted that arrangements for heli-rescue were being coordinated to ensure timely medical aid.

J&K lieutenant-governor Manoj Sinha expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and directed all relevant agencies to step up rescue and relief measures.

“Anguished by the cloudburst in Chishoti, Kishtwar. Condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured. Directed Civil, Police, Army, NDRF and SDRF officials to strengthen operations and ensure all possible assistance to the affected,” he posted on social media.

J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah also conveyed his sorrow, stating that his office was in touch with district officials to oversee relief efforts.

The leader of Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, Sunil Sharma, visited the affected village and reported significant destruction of makeshift shops and temporary structures set up for the yatra. Limited mobile connectivity in the area has delayed the flow of official updates on the extent of damage.

To assist those affected, the administration has set up a control room-cum-help desk in Paddar, approximately 15 km from Chishoti. Multiple contact numbers have been issued for public assistance, along with the district and police control room lines for Kishtwar.

Rescue teams are working against challenging terrain and weather conditions to reach survivors, while authorities remain on high alert to prevent further loss of life in the flood-hit region.