Jammu& Kashmir Cloudburst Leaves 12 Dead, Many Missing; Pilgrimage Suspended

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A sudden cloudburst in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district has left at least 12 people dead and many others feared missing. The disaster struck Chasoti, a remote village along the route of the famous Machail Mata pilgrimage, on Thursday morning.

According to officials, a massive cloudburst caused flash floods that swept through the village, damaging homes and structures used by pilgrims. The gushing water made rescue work extremely difficult, with mud and debris cutting off access to certain areas.

Rising Death Toll and Search Efforts

So far, 12 bodies have been recovered, but authorities warn the toll may go up as several people are still missing. Rescue operations are being carried out by teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the army, and local police. Helicopters and heavy equipment have been deployed to speed up the search.

Pilgrimage on Hold

The Machail Mata yatra, which draws thousands of devotees every year, has been suspended immediately after the incident. Officials said safety of pilgrims is the top priority and the yatra will resume only when conditions improve.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and assured that every possible help would be provided to the affected families. Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, who represents the Udhampur constituency, also conveyed condolences and urged authorities to ensure quick relief and rehabilitation.

With monsoon rains continuing in the region, authorities have urged residents and pilgrims to remain cautious. Disaster management teams are on high alert to respond to any further emergencies.

This tragedy serves as another reminder of how vulnerable mountain regions remain to sudden weather events during the monsoon season.