A massive cloudburst wreaked havoc in the remote Chishoti area of J&K’s Kishtwar district, unleashing flash floods that ripped through the pilgrimage route to the revered Machail Matta shrine. The sudden deluge washed away a langar (community kitchen) shed catering to devotees, leaving behind a scene of chaos, destruction, and mounting fears of heavy casualties.
According to initial ground reports, more than 20 people have been confirmed dead and 17 injured, with rescue teams warning that the toll may rise as several individuals remain missing. Many victims were devotees and local volunteers engaged in serving yatris. The force of the water, laden with debris, was so intense that makeshift structures were obliterated in seconds.
Information of #Cloudburst in Chashoti Kishtwar pic.twitter.com/qhdQkLZEYE
— Ajay Jandyal (@ajayjandyal) August 14, 2025
Deputy Commissioner of Kishtwar, Pankaj Kumar Sharma, confirmed that the disaster occurred in the Chishoti village of Padder Sub-Division, a rugged terrain where access is challenging even in normal conditions. The site lies en route to the Machail Matta Yatra, which draws thousands of devotees from across the country every year.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, expressing deep anguish over the tragedy, issued immediate directions to civil administration, police, the Indian Army, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) to intensify rescue and relief efforts. “Condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured. All possible assistance will be provided to the affected,” Sinha said in a statement.
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.
— Office of LG J&K (@OfficeOfLGJandK) August 14, 2025
Union Minister of State (MoS) in the PMO, Dr. Jitendra Singh, who hails from the region, revealed that he had spoken to the DC Kishtwar after receiving urgent messages from the Leader of Opposition in the J&K Assembly 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. Rescue teams have left for the site, and damage evaluation and medical arrangements are underway. My office is receiving regular updates; all possible assistance will be provided,” Singh assured.
Union MoS Dr Jitendra Singh says, "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 cloud burst in Chositi area, which could result in substantial casualty. Administration has immediately… pic.twitter.com/7pkiPSZCHc
— ANI (@ANI) August 14, 2025
Eyewitnesses described the scene as catastrophic torrents of muddy water cascading through the valley, carrying logs, boulders, and debris. The langar shed, set up to feed yatris, was swept away along with tents, supplies, and several people. Survivors were seen clinging to rocks and tree trunks until rescue teams arrived.
The Army and NDRF teams have deployed personnel with ropes, rafts, and search equipment, while the SDRF is combing the debris for survivors. The operation has been complicated by the remote location, damaged roads, and continuing rainfall. Helicopter support has been requested for evacuation and to ferry essential supplies to the disaster zone.
The Meteorological Centre in Srinagar has issued an alert warning of moderate to heavy rainfall, brief intense showers, thunder, lightning, and gusty winds across many parts of J&K in the next 4–6 hours. Authorities fear that further cloudbursts or landslides could exacerbate the crisis.
The Machail Matta Yatra is a revered annual pilgrimage in the Chenab Valley, culminating at the shrine of Goddess Durga in Machail village. The route passes through steep and landslide-prone mountains. In recent years, security and disaster preparedness have been heightened due to both militancy concerns and extreme weather threats, but the scale of today’s disaster has exposed critical gaps in early warning systems and infrastructure resilience.
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