Kishtwar Cloudburst (Social media)
National News: The nation is still recovering from the grief of the Dharali tragedy in Uttarkashi when another disaster struck, this time in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district. On Thursday afternoon, a sudden cloudburst hit the Machail Yatra route near the Mata Chandi temple, causing a flash flood that swept away houses, community kitchens, vehicles, and even parts of the pilgrimage path.
Officials confirmed that at least 46 bodies have been recovered so far, while more than 120 people have sustained injuries. Over 200 others, including pilgrims, langar volunteers, and security personnel, are still missing. PTI reported that 167 people have been rescued from the rubble and flood debris.
Relief and rescue teams from the army, police, and disaster response forces immediately reached the spot, but as night fell, operations had to be temporarily halted. Work will resume at first light on Friday. Due to the tragedy, the Machail Yatra, which started on 25 July and was planned to continue until 5 September, has now been suspended.
The disaster took place around 12:30 pm when heavy rainfall triggered a cloudburst in the upper hills near Chashoti, a village about 8 km before the Machail Mata temple. The Chashoti stream overflowed with a deadly mix of water, mud, and rocks, submerging nearly half of the village.
At the time, many devotees were resting or eating in the langars (community kitchens). One such kitchen, managed by volunteers from Udhampur, was completely destroyed, burying people and sweeping others away in the strong current.
A total of 10 houses, four temples, four government buildings, and a bridge packed with pilgrims were swept away. Several parked vehicles also vanished in the floodwaters.
Right after the cloudburst, panic and chaos erupted in the area. Local motorcycle operators, who normally ferry pilgrims along the route, quickly began transporting the injured to nearby shelters. Some healthcare workers among the pilgrims provided first aid on the spot until two doctors and a paramedical team arrived two and a half hours later. Unfortunately, they lacked adequate medicines and medical equipment.
By the evening, 46 bodies had been recovered. Many security personnel from the Army, CISF, and SDRF posted at a nearby checkpoint also remain missing.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, promising full central support. Both leaders expressed deep sorrow and directed that relief and rescue work be intensified.
In light of the tragedy, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has cancelled Independence Day celebrations in the region, limiting them to flag hoisting only.
This was not the only such incident that day. Four more cloudbursts occurred across Jammu and Kashmir—two in Anantnag district, one near Sheshnag Lake, and one in Ganderbal’s Naranag-Kangan area—causing flooding and rising river levels.
A control room has been set up in Paddar with emergency helpline numbers issued, and district hospitals have been placed on high alert with extra doctors and anesthetists deployed.
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