Cloudburst in Kishtwar’s Chositi Kills 12, Rescue Operations Continue Amid Challenging Weather Conditions

National News: Monsoon continues in North India. News of cloudbursts and floods is continuously coming from the hilly areas. The latest news has come from Kishtwar of the Jammu division. There has been a cloudburst in the Pader area here. 12 people are reported dead in the accident. The rescue operation is still going on. After the cloudburst, the water level of the rivers and drains of the area increased rapidly, due to which the local people are in panic.

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh has shared a post on social media regarding this. He wrote on social media platform X- Just now, we have received information from the Leader of Opposition of Jammu and Kashmir and local MLA Shri Sunil Kumar Sharma that a cloudburst has occurred in the Chasoti area of Pader. We spoke to Deputy Commissioner of Kishtwar Shri Pankaj Kumar Sharma.

Administration Mobilizes Swift Rescue Efforts

The administration has immediately swung into action, and rescue teams are present at the site. The damage is being assessed, and necessary rescue and medical management arrangements are being made. My office is regularly receiving updates, and all possible assistance will be provided.

Cloudburst Halts Machail Mata Pilgrimage

At least 10 people are feared dead after a massive cloudburst hit a remote village on the way to Machail Mata Yatra on Thursday, officials told a news agency. The cloudburst affected Chasoti, the last motorable village on the way to the temple. The annual pilgrimage to the temple has been suspended following the incident, and officials are rushing to the site to conduct a massive rescue and relief operation by mobilizing all resources, officials said.

Overcrowded parking space

There was a parking lot in the area where the cloud burst. Langar was arranged there for those going to Machail. This is the last stop for those who go by car to visit the goddess. The car does not go further from here. The car has to be parked here, and the rest of the journey has to be covered on foot. This is why it is being assumed that there must have been a lot of people there at the time of the cloudburst.

Administration Issues Flood Safety Warnings

The administration is on alert mode in view of the possibility of flooding in many villages. Administrative teams have gone from village to village and appealed to the people to keep a distance from rivers and streams. Four days ago there was also a cloudburst in Pader. Due to this, water came in the drain of the Sajar area due to strong flow. The water level of the Chenab River also increased due to strong flow.

The river is in spate in Rajouri

In Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir, the river is in spate due to heavy rains for the last two days. The district administration has issued an alert advising people living in hilly areas to stay safe and not go near the river. Machail Mata Yatra, also known as Shri Chandi Mata Mandir Yatra, is a famous religious and adventure yatra located in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir. This yatra takes place mainly in the month of August, and devotees undertake a 30 km trek to visit Mata Chandi.

Journey To The Sacred Machail Mata

The pilgrimage to Machail Mata begins from Jammu, with travelers covering approximately 306 kilometers by road to reach Kishtwar. From Kishtwar, the journey continues by road toward Gulabgarh, a small yet significant town on the route. Gulabgarh serves as the last motorable point before the trek begins. From here, pilgrims embark on a 30-kilometer journey on foot, passing through scenic valleys, rivers, and mountainous terrains.

The trek, though challenging, is filled with breathtaking natural beauty and devotional spirit. Along the way, pilgrims encounter local villages that offer glimpses into the region’s culture and hospitality. The journey culminates at the sacred Machail Mata Temple, where devotees seek blessings after days of travel and devotion.

Lieutenant Governor Extends Condolences

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed grief over the loss of life and property in this incident. He wrote on the social media platform X, "I am saddened by the cloudburst incident in Chashoti of Kishtwar." Condolences to the bereaved families, and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured. Instructed civil, police, army, NDRF (National Disaster Response Force), and SDRF (State Disaster Response Force) officials to further speed up the rescue and relief operation and provide all possible assistance to the affected.