After a massive cloudburst struck the Chosoti area in Kishtwar on Thursday, the starting point of the Machail Mata Yatra, reports indicate that 30 bodies have been recovered so far, while several others may still be trapped.
The incident unfolded during the afternoon, causing potential casualties and flash floods. The administration has immediately mobilised, and rescue teams have been dispatched to the site.
“A flash flood has occurred at Chositi area in Kishtwar, which is the starting point of the Machail Mata Yatra. Rescue Operations have been started,” said Pankaj Sharma, Deputy Commissioner of Kishtwar, ANI reported.
Following the incident, Union minister Jitendra Singh spoke to Kishtwar deputy commissioner Pankaj Kumar Sharma and said that all possible assistance will be provided.
“Massive cloud burst in Chositi area, which could result in substantial casualty. Administration has immediately swung into action, rescue team has left for the site. Damage evaluation and necessary rescue and medical management arrangements are being made. My office is receiving regular updates, all possible assistance will be provided,” Jitendra Singh posted on X.
PM Modi’s Reaction
“My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the cloudburst and flooding in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir. The situation is being monitored closely. Rescue and relief operations are underway. Every possible assistance will be provided to those in need,” PM Narendra Modi wrote in a post on X.
My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the cloudburst and flooding in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir. The situation is being monitored closely. Rescue and relief operations are underway. Every possible assistance will be provided to those in need.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 14, 2025
As several states in the country have been experiencing heavy rainfall for an extended period and the situation is expected to continue as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for heavy rainfall in Telangana and an orange alert for Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir on Thrusday, June 14.
The country is experiencing heavy monsoon rainfall with hilly areas being the worst affected, including recent cloudbursts, floods, and landslides in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.
Uttarakhand, where flash floods hit on August 5, causing widespread destruction with loss of lives and properties.
People trapped in the Dharali-Harsil disaster are being rescued through helicopters and brought to Matli helipad, from where arrangements have also been made to ensure their safe arrival at their destination, said officials