40 Dead, Over 220 Missing as Cloudburst Triggers Deadly Flash Flood on J&K’s Machail Mata Yatra Route
A pilgrimage turned into a scene of mass devastation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district on Thursday after a massive cloudburst struck the remote village of Chishoti, triggering catastrophic flash floods that have left at least 40 people dead, including two CISF jawans. More than 120 people have been injured, and a staggering 220 are still missing as a frantic, large-scale rescue operation races against time to find survivors amid the wreckage.
The disaster hit along the crowded route of the annual Machail Mata Yatra, a pilgrimage to a revered Himalayan shrine, where an estimated 1,000 to 1,200 people were present at the time of the cloudburst, according to Jammu and Kashmir’s Leader of the Opposition, Sunil Sharma.
Horrifying videos from the scene captured the sheer force of the flash flood, showing a raging torrent of water and debris tearing through the area as authorities desperately shouted for people to move to safer ground. Other visuals showed pilgrims being hurriedly evacuated from the chaotic yatra base camp. The yatra has since been suspended.
A massive multi-agency rescue and relief operation is underway, involving the Army, NDRF, SDRF, police, and civil administration. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah confirmed he has briefed Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the unfolding tragedy, stating that “all possible resources are being mobilised from within and beyond J&K to manage the rescue operations.” He indicated that confirmed information was slow to emerge from the remote, high-altitude area.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, saying his “thoughts and prayers are with all those affected.” He confirmed that the “situation is being monitored closely” and assured that “every possible assistance will be provided to those in need.”
Union Minister Jitendra Singh, who was alerted by local MLA Sunil Sharma, also noted the potential for “substantial casualties” and confirmed that rescue and medical management arrangements were in motion. Jammu and Kashmir Governor Manoj Sinha expressed his anguish and directed officials to strengthen the rescue efforts to provide all possible aid to those affected.
