J&K: At least 10 people are feared dead after a massive cloudburst triggered a sudden flash flood in the Chositi area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district on Thursday afternoon, prompting an urgent rescue operation.
The disaster struck the starting point of the sacred Machail Mata Yatra, an annual pilgrimage to the shrine of Mata Chandi. Following the incident, authorities have suspended the yatra.
Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Pankaj Sharma, confirmed the severity of the situation, saying, “A flash flood has occurred at Chashoti area in Kishtwar, which is the starting point of the Machail Mata Yatra. Rescue operations have been started.”
Union Minister Jitendra Singh said he had spoken directly to the DC to assess the ground situation. “Just now spoke to DC Kishtwar Sh Pankaj Kumar Sharma after receiving an urgent message from LoP #JammuAndKashmir and local MLA Sh Sunil Kumar Sharma. 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,” he posted on X.
Reports indicate that a langar shed (community kitchen) set up for the pilgrims was completely washed away in the flooding. Several houses have also been damaged.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed his grief over the tragedy, stating, “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.”
