A devastating cloudburst struck the remote village of Chositi in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, August 14, 2025, resulting in a tragic loss of life and widespread damage. The incident occurred between 12 noon and 1 pm, during the annual Machail Mata Yatra, a significant pilgrimage in the region, when a large number of devotees had gathered in the area.
The cloudburst triggered flash floods and landslides that swept through the village, particularly impacting those who were having lunch at a 'langar' (community kitchen) set up for the pilgrims. The deluge of water and debris damaged property and cut off roads to remote areas.
Tragically, at least 46 people have been confirmed dead, including two Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel who were deployed on a temporary internal security assignment for the yatra. Over 100 people sustained injuries, and rescue teams are still searching for more than 50 missing individuals, raising fears that the death toll could rise. Over 160 people have been rescued so far.
The disaster hit Chasoti, also spelt Chositi, the last motorable village on the route to the 9,500-feet-high Machail Mata temple. The 8.5-km trek to the shrine begins from this village. Many victims were pilgrims trekking to the Hindu shrine.
Rescue operations were immediately launched by teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the Army, local police, and volunteers. Two NDRF teams, comprising approximately 180 personnel equipped with advanced search and rescue equipment, were dispatched from Udhampur. The Army deployed five columns, each consisting of 60 personnel, along with medical detachments to assist in the rescue and relief efforts.
The injured were transported to hospitals, including the sub-district hospital at Atholi and the district hospital in Kishtwar. Medical staff from across Paddar and Kishtwar were mobilized to Atholi Hospital to treat the injured.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and assured full central support, while Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to assess the situation and ensure coordinated assistance.
The Union Territory administration has established a control room and help desk to assist those affected by the flash floods, providing helpline numbers for assistance. Authorities have also suspended the Machail Mata Yatra pilgrimage.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has cancelled the 'At Home' tea party and cultural events planned for Independence Day on Friday.
The cloudburst in Kishtwar is a stark reminder of the vulnerability of mountainous regions to extreme weather events, especially during the monsoon season. The incident underscores the need for enhanced disaster preparedness, early warning systems, and robust infrastructure to mitigate the impact of such calamities and protect the lives and livelihoods of people in these areas.
