A catastrophic cloudburst struck Chasoti village in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, leaving a trail of devastation and claiming the lives of at least 46 people. The remote village, located on the route to the Machail Mata temple, was inundated by flash floods triggered by the intense downpour, washing away homes, shops, and a community kitchen. Rescue operations are underway, but the challenging terrain and inclement weather conditions are hampering efforts.
The cloudburst occurred between 12 noon and 1 pm, when a large number of devotees had gathered in Chasoti for the annual Machail Mata Yatra. Chasoti serves as the last motorable point for pilgrims before they commence an 8.5 km trek to the shrine, which is situated at an altitude of 9,500 feet. A 'langar' (community kitchen) set up to serve the pilgrims bore the brunt of the flash floods. The sudden surge of water and debris swept away everything in its path, leaving many people trapped.
As of Friday, August 15, 2025, rescue teams have recovered 167 people from the rubble, with 38 reported to be in serious condition. Authorities have identified 21 of the retrieved bodies. However, over 50 people are still missing, and the death toll is feared to rise as rescue operations continue. The challenging terrain and ongoing bad weather are making it difficult for rescue teams to reach all the affected areas.
The administration has launched a massive rescue and relief operation, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, army, and local volunteers working tirelessly to locate survivors and provide assistance to those affected. Kishtwar's district magistrate has ordered the deployment of excavators to the cloudburst site, along with adequate doctors and paramedic staff. Medical detachments have also been moved to carry out relief and rescue operations.
The disaster has prompted widespread grief and concern. President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have expressed their condolences to the bereaved families and assured all possible assistance to those in need. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken to J&K Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, assuring them of full support from the central government. Leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi also expressed grief over the loss of lives.
The Machail Mata Yatra has been suspended in light of the tragedy. Authorities have issued advisories, putting all sub-divisions on high alert and stationing dedicated teams to respond to emergencies. Control rooms and help desks have been activated across the district to assist citizens and pilgrims, particularly in vulnerable and remote areas.
The cloudburst in Chasoti village is a stark reminder of the vulnerability of the Himalayan region to natural disasters. The incident has highlighted the need for improved infrastructure, disaster preparedness, and early warning systems in these remote and ecologically sensitive areas. As rescue operations continue, the focus remains on saving lives, providing relief to the affected, and ensuring that such tragedies are minimized in the future.
