Massive cloudburst hits Machail Mata Yatra route killing 45

Srinagar: A powerful cloudburst in the Chashoti area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district triggered flash floods on Thursday, killing at least 45 people, with the toll expected to rise. Around 50 others remain missing, sources said.

The disaster occurred along the route of the ongoing Machail Mata Yatra, where heavy pilgrim turnout and continuous rainfall worsened the impact. Officials reported that over 250 people were at the location when the cloudburst struck.

Kishtwar DDC Chairperson Pooja Thakur told TNIE that rescue teams are working around the clock, with 100–150 people injured so far.

The flash floods swept through a parking area, a langar (community kitchen), and a CRPF camp, trapping many under debris. Rescue efforts are ongoing, but poor weather and damaged roads are slowing operations.

The Army has joined relief and rescue efforts in Kishtwar, with a Jammu-based Army spokesperson confirming that troops from the White Knight formation were quickly deployed to protect lives and assist survivors. Search operations for the missing are ongoing, and relief supplies, medical teams, and rescue equipment have been sent to the site.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to those affected by the cloudburst and assured that all necessary assistance would be provided.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, pledging full central support.

Abdullah described the situation as grim, noting that verified updates were slow due to the area’s remoteness. He said all available resources were being mobilised for the rescue mission.

In a post on X, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced the cancellation of a tea party scheduled for Friday evening and the cultural programmes planned for the morning Independence Day celebrations, in view of the tragedy. However, he said the formal proceedings, including the speech and march past, would go ahead as planned, TNIE reported.

Authorities said at least 38 bodies had been recovered, with the toll likely to rise as many pilgrims and locals were present in the area when the cloudburst struck.

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, who is overseeing the rescue operations, said helicopters could not reach the site due to bad weather. “The road has been washed away and the weather is not helicopter-worthy. Meanwhile, SDRF and NDRF teams are being mobilised,” he noted.

Leader of Opposition and BJP MLA Sunil Kumar Sharma voiced concern over the extent of the destruction, citing the heavy presence of pilgrims and makeshift shops along the route of the ongoing Machail Mata Yatra, as well as the surrounding villages and vehicles in the affected area.

The Machail Mata Yatra, which began on July 25 and was to run until September 5, has been suspended in the wake of the disaster. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed sorrow over the tragedy.

Rescue operations are being carried out by teams from the NDRF, SDRF, police, and civil administration, with ambulances on site to transport the injured. However, washed-out roads and persistent rain continue to hamper relief efforts.