A massive cloudburst struck the remote village of Chishoti in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district on Thursday, August 14, 2025, resulting in a devastating tragedy. Initial reports indicate that at least 38 people have died, including two Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel, and over 100 have been injured. There are also reports of over 220 people missing, and there is uncertainty regarding the number of people still trapped.
Chishoti, also referred to as Chositi and Chasoti, is the last motorable village en route to the Machail Mata shrine, a site of annual pilgrimage. The cloudburst occurred between 12 noon and 1 pm when a large number of people had gathered in the area for the Machail Mata Yatra, which has now been suspended. The yatra, which began on July 25 and was scheduled to continue until September 5, attracts thousands of people from across the Jammu division. The village is located at an altitude of 2,800 meters (approximately 9,500 feet) and is about 90 km from Kishtwar.
The cloudburst triggered flash floods and landslides, causing extensive damage to infrastructure, including broken roads and makeshift shops set up for the pilgrimage. Visuals from the site depict water gushing through the area and widespread destruction. The flash floods also impacted Narang village.
Rescue operations are underway, with teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), police, army, and local volunteers working to locate and assist those affected. Ambulances have been deployed to evacuate the injured. However, rescue efforts are being hampered by washed-away roads and continuous rain. Arrangements are also being made for heli-rescue operations. By the evening of August 14, officials had rescued 120 people. Seventy-nine injured individuals were taken to Atholi hospital, with 35 of them subsequently transferred to District Hospital Kishtwar.
The Union Territory administration has established a control room-cum-help desk to assist people and pilgrims. Helpline numbers have been issued by both the UT administration and the Kishtwar District Police.
Various leaders have expressed their condolences and assured support. President Droupadi Murmu described the loss of lives as "extremely tragic" and offered her condolences. Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the situation is being closely monitored and that every possible assistance will be provided to those in need. Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, assuring them of all possible help and stating that NDRF teams have been rushed to the site. Union Minister Jitendra Singh said the cloudburst was of a "massive scale" and could lead to substantial casualties.
In light of the tragedy, Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary announced the cancellation of Independence Day events, including the 'At Home' event scheduled to be held in Srinagar.
National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah urged Prime Minister Modi to address the issue of global warming, stating that such incidents have become common in hilly areas.
