A heavy cloudburst hit Chositi village in Kishtwar, J&K, on Thursday and killed at least 30 people, including two CISF personnel. Officials said 120 people were rescued, with 38 in serious condition. The village is the last motorable point for the annual Machail Mata Yatra, where many devotees had gathered. Flash floods destroyed houses, shops, and a security post, prompting a massive rescue operation.
जम्मू-कश्मीर के किश्तवाड़ में बादल फटने से बड़ी तबाही, दस से ज़्यादा लोगों की मौत की ख़बर, मचैल माता के तीर्थ यात्रा रूट पर हुआ हादसा।
देश भर से लोग यहां पहुंचते हैं। ऐसे में डर है कि यहां हताहत होने वालों की संख्या बढ़ सकती है।#Kishtwarcloudburst #JammuKashmir pic.twitter.com/kuzfZUudRP— Ajit Singh Rathi (@AjitSinghRathi) August 14, 2025
Rescue Operation Underway
NDRF, SDRF, the Army, Police, and local volunteers are working to save people. Two more NDRF teams have arrived from Udhampur. The Yatra has been stopped as authorities focus on saving lives. Officials continue to search for those trapped in debris and floodwaters. Lt Governor Manoj Sinha expressed condolences to the victims.
Anguished by cloudburst in Chositi Kishtwar. Condolences to bereaved families & prayers for quick recovery of injured. Directed Civil, Police, Army, NDRF & SDRF officials to strengthen the rescue & relief operations and ensure all possible assistance is provided to the affected.
— Office of LG J&K (@OfficeOfLGJandK) August 14, 2025
