Srinagar: A devastating cloudburst struck the remote Chasoti area of J&K’s Kishtwar district on August 1, triggering flash floods that tore through the mountainous region during the annual Machail Mata Yatra. The disaster has left multiple people feared dead, over 75 injured, and several others missing, prompting one of the largest rescue operations in the region in recent months.
The cloudburst occurred near Chasoti, around 90 kilometres from Kishtwar town and the last motorable point before the 8.5-kilometre trek to the revered Machail Mata Temple. Thousands of devotees had gathered for the annual pilgrimage when the sudden deluge swept through the area, severely damaging houses, shops, temporary structures, and a ‘langar’ set up to serve pilgrims.
The raging flash floods engulfed several structures clustered along the foothills, leaving widespread destruction in their wake. Rescue teams have been racing against time to trace missing persons amid difficult terrain and adverse weather conditions.
Soon after the incident, the Kishtwar district administration launched emergency rescue operations, deploying local teams to the affected area. Two teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were rushed from Udhampur, while the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, Army personnel, and local volunteers joined the search and rescue efforts.
Officials said the challenging mountainous terrain, damaged roads, and continuing poor weather have severely hampered access to the disaster site. Authorities estimate that rescue, relief, and recovery operations could continue for nearly 20 days due to the extent of the devastation.
Following the tragedy, authorities suspended the annual Machail Mata Yatra until further notice.
President Droupadi Murmu expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives caused by the cloudburst. In a message posted on social media, the President described the tragedy as “extremely tragic,” extended condolences to the bereaved families, and prayed for the speedy success of ongoing rescue and relief operations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed grief over the disaster, saying his thoughts and prayers were with all those affected by the cloudburst and the ensuing floods.
“The situation is being monitored closely. Rescue and relief operations are underway. Every possible assistance will be provided to those in need,” the PM said.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to review the evolving situation. Shah said the Centre is closely monitoring developments and assured all possible support to the Union Territory.
He stated that NDRF teams had been immediately deployed and that the government stands firmly with the people of J&K during this difficult time.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh, who represents the region, said he has been continuously coordinating with central agencies and the district administration. He acknowledged that rescue efforts are being hampered by poor weather and inaccessible terrain but assured that every available resource has been mobilised. Singh said SDRF and NDRF personnel are working round the clock to evacuate the injured and search for those still missing.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also expressed grief over the tragedy and assured full-scale rescue, relief, and rehabilitation assistance to affected families.
Another cloudburst incident reported from the Chatroo area of Kishtwar district earlier on Saturday, several commercial establishments and shops were damaged. After speaking with Kishtwar Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Sharma, Union Minister Jitendra Singh confirmed that no loss of life had been reported in the Chatroo incident.
“Some commercial outlets and shops have been damaged, and due compensation will be provided,” Singh said. He also highlighted the government’s efforts to improve disaster preparedness in the region following last year’s deadly Chasoti cloudburst.
According to Singh, the Ministry of Earth Sciences has already installed two advanced Early Warning Systems (EWS) in Kishtwar and Machail, while an Automatic Weather Station (AWS) is being installed in the Padder area to strengthen weather monitoring and disaster response capabilities.
The latest tragedy comes just weeks after another cloudburst and heavy rainfall triggered massive landslides in Rajouri district on July 19, severely damaging the strategically important Thannamandi–DKG–Bufliaz Road connecting Rajouri and Poonch with the Kashmir Valley.
Flash floods had washed away several stretches of the newly constructed road, culverts, and heavy trees, forcing authorities to divert traffic through the Bimber Gali route. The road remains closed nearly two weeks later.
