Ten feared dead in massive cloudburst in Jammu & Kashmir; widespread damages

SRINAGAR: Ten people have been reported dead in a massive cloudburst in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district. The cloudburst occurred in Chashoti village, which is on the route of the Machail Mata Yatra. Rescue operations have started in the area. Authorities said that the Machail Mata Yatra has been canceled following the cloudburst.

Rescue teams led by the sub-divisional magistrate of Padar have reached the spot. Union Minister Jitendra Singh said that he spoke to Kishtwar Collector Pankaj Kumar Sharma regarding the accident. A massive cloudburst occurred in the Chashoti area, which could cause significant casualties. The administration has started rescue operations. The union minister also said that all possible assistance will be provided. Expressing grief over the accident, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also directed the local administration, police, army, NDRF and SDRF to expand the rescue operations.

Cloudburst hits Chositi, #Kishtwar. Administration swings into action; rescue team heads to site. Union Minister @DrJitendraSingh speaks to DC Pankaj Kumar Sharma & LoP @Sunil_SharmaBJP , says damage assessment, rescue & medical aid underway; all help to be provided.@dckishtwar pic.twitter.com/v7ajZyzWyG

— Akashvani News Jammu (@radionews_jammu) August 14, 2025