A cloudburst struck Chashoti area of Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district on Thursday, triggering flash floods that washed away a langar (community kitchen) en-route Machail Mata Yatra. Officials said that at least 46 bodies have been recovered so far, and the toll could rise as cloudburst hit an area where devotees were on the yatra to the Himalayan shrine of Mata Chandi.
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) informed that two teams have been rushed to the affected region.
Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Pankaj Sharma said, "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."
The Meteorological Centre Srinagar has issued an alert for moderate to heavy rainfall, accompanied by brief intense showers, thunder, lightning, and gusty winds across many parts of Jammu & Kashmir over the next 4–6 hours.
Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh stated that he has just spoken to DC Kishtwar, Pankaj Kumar Sharma, following an urgent message from the Leader of Opposition in J&K and local MLA, Sunil Kumar Sharma.
“Just now spoke to DC Kishtwar Pankaj Kumar Sharma after receiving an urgent message from J&K LoP and local MLA Sunil Kumar Sharma. A massive cloudburst in Chashoti area, which could result in substantial casualties. Administration has immediately swung into action, the rescue team has left for the site. Damage evaluation and necessary rescue and medical management arrangements being made. My office receiving regular updates, all possible assistance will be provided,” he wrote on X.
"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," the minister added.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant General's office shared that NDRF and SDRF officials have been directed to expedite the rescue and relief operations.
Office of LG J&K tweeted, "Anguished by cloudburst in Chositi Kishtwar. Condolences to bereaved families & prayers for quick recovery of injured. Directed Civil, Police, Army, NDRF & SDRF officials to strengthen the rescue & relief operations and ensure all possible assistance is provided to the affected."
PM Narendra Modi tweeted, "My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the cloudburst and flooding in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir. The situation is being monitored closely. Rescue and relief operations are underway. Every possible assistance will be provided to those in need."
Meanwhile, J&K CM Omar Abdullah has announced that he has decided to cancel the "At Home" tea party tomorrow evening in light of the cloud burst in Kishtwar.
"...We have also decided not to go ahead with the cultural events during the morning Independence Day celebrations. The formal events - speech, march past etc will go ahead as planned," he further tweeted.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!