At least 60 people were killed and over 100 were injured after a devastating cloudburst triggered flash floods in Chasoti village, Kishtwar district, on Thursday afternoon. The incident occurred along the Machail Mata Yatra route, leaving over 100 others injured and several still missing.
The tragedy struck between 12 and 1 pm at Chasoti, the final motorable point on the pilgrimage path to the 9,500-feet-high Machail Mata shrine. Hundreds of devotees had gathered in the area to begin the 8.5-kilometre trek to the temple when the disaster unfolded.
Inspector General of Police, Jammu, B.S. Tuti confirmed, “Most of the victims were pilgrims trekking to the Hindu shrine of Machail Mata. The number of casualties is likely to go up.” Rescue teams have expressed concern that the toll may rise further as many remain unaccounted for.
Rescue and relief operations have been launched in full force despite facing challenges posed by difficult terrain, ongoing heavy rainfall, and extensive debris. More than 160 people have been rescued so far, though 38 are reported to be in serious condition.
A community kitchen set up for pilgrims bore the brunt of the flash floods. The cloudburst also impacted a temporary internal security team assigned to the yatra, with one Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) official confirmed dead and three others missing.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh took to X and said, “Massive cloudburst in Chosoti area, which could result in substantial casualty. Administration has immediately swung into action. Rescue team has left for the site. Damage evaluation and necessary rescue and medical management arrangements are being made.” He added that his office is receiving regular updates and assured that all possible assistance would be provided.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also spoke on the incident, confirming the grim situation. “I just spoke to the Union Home Minister @AmitShah Sb to brief him about the developing situation in Kishtwar region of Jammu,” Abdullah posted on X. “The news is grim & accurate, verified information from the area hit by the cloudburst is slow in arriving. All possible resources are being mobilised from within & beyond J\&K to manage the rescue operations.”
He further added that the government would share official information as it becomes available and would not be issuing comments to media outlets in the meantime.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also expressed his condolences, saying, “Anguished by cloudburst in Chosoti, Kishtwar. Condolences to bereaved families & prayers for quick recovery of injured,” he said. “Directed Civil, Police, Army, NDRF & SDRF officials to strengthen the rescue & relief operations and ensure all possible assistance is provided to the affected.”
The incident comes amid widespread heavy monsoon rainfall affecting northern India, particularly in hilly regions. States such as Uttarakhand have also faced similar disasters recently.
In Chamoli district, a landslide at Nandprayag blocked major roads following continuous rain. District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari confirmed, “Work is going on to open the road blocked due to the landslide in Nandprayag. Apart from this, all the roads in the district are smooth.”
In Uttarkashi, a recent cloudburst on August 5 led to massive destruction in the high-altitude villages of Dharali and Harsil. A mudslide in the Kheer Gad area near Harsil triggered a sudden flow of debris, sweeping away homes and infrastructure. Authorities have since reconstructed a crucial bridge linking Uttarkashi to Harsil to ensure smooth transport of relief materials.
