Jammu and Kashmir Cloudburst: At least 46 people died, including two CISF personnel, after a devastating cloudburst triggered severe flashfloods in Chositi, a remote mountain village in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district on Thursday. The incident left many more trapped under debris as rescue teams rushed to respond in extremely difficult terrain. The tragedy unfolded as hundreds of pilgrims had gathered in the village for the annual Machail Mata yatra, which began on July 25 and is scheduled to conclude on September 5.

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By nightfall, rescue operations intensified, with teams managing to pull out 167 people from beneath rubble and mud. Among them, 38 are in serious condition, officials said. The cloudburst struck between 12 noon and 1 PM, washing away several structures, including shops, a security outpost, and a community kitchen crowded with devotees. Authorities warned that the toll may rise further as operations continue.

Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar Cloudburst Key updates:

Large-Scale Rescue Effort: Teams from the NDRF, SDRF, Army, police, and local volunteers are conducting rescue operations. Two more NDRF teams were dispatched from Jammu to bolster efforts.

National Leadership Responds: President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and said the situation is being closely monitored. Modi assured that all possible help will be provided.

Union Ministers Review Situation: Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Minister Jitendra Singh reviewed the unfolding crisis. Shah confirmed rapid deployment of NDRF teams, while Singh warned of substantial casualties.

Army Joins Relief Mission: The White Knight Corps of the Indian Army mobilised troops, rescue gear, medical teams, and relief materials to aid survivors and search for the missing.

Yatra Suspended: The Machail Mata pilgrimage has been suspended to prioritise rescue operations. Chositi is the last motorable village before the 8.5 km trek to the 9,500-foot shrine begins.

Scenes of Destruction: Videos showed torrents of mud, rocks, and water tearing down slopes, destroying homes, folding structures like cards, and blocking roads and access routes.

Recent Precedent in Uttarakhand: The incident comes just nine days after a similar disaster in Dharali village, Uttarkashi, where flashfloods left one dead and 68 still missing.

Political Reactions and Concerns: BJP leader Jehanzaib Sirwal raised concerns over unchecked power projects in Kishtwar, warning that environmental neglect poses long-term risks to the fragile ecosystem.

Independence Day Events Scaled Back: The chief minister cancelled cultural programs and the ‘At Home’ tea event as a mark of respect. Formal Independence Day events will proceed with reduced festivities.

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Jammu And Kashmir Weather Update  

The Meteorological Centre in Srinagar has forecast moderate to heavy rain, with brief intense showers over the next 4-6 hours. There is a risk of additional cloudbursts, flash floods, landslides, and mudslides in vulnerable hilly areas such as Baramulla, Bandipora, Srinagar, Qazigund, Gandarbal, Budgam, Poonch, Rajouri, Reasi, Doda, and Kishtwar.