A sudden cloudburst on Thursday afternoon triggered flash floods in Chishoti, Kishtwar district of Jammu & Kashmir, wiping out a pilgrims’ camp and leaving at least 46 people dead. Most of the victims were devotees returning from the Shri Machail Mata Yatra. Over 100 others sustained injuries, while several remain unaccounted for.
The disaster struck between noon and 1 pm, when heavy rains caused nearby rivulets to swell rapidly, submerging large parts of the valley. The community kitchen (langar) set up for the pilgrims was among the worst-hit areas, with many casualties reported there. Floodwaters also swept away several structures, including a security post, and damaged dozens of vehicles.
Rescue teams from the Army, police, and NDRF managed to save around 160 people before nightfall. “Two CISF personnel were among the victims. Many were having lunch when the floods hit,” an official said.
Local leaders described the devastation as overwhelming. “There are mud-caked bodies and critically injured people all around,” said Sunil Sharma, leader of the opposition. BJP MLA Shagun Parihar, speaking from the site, admitted she was “unable to hold back tears.”
The 43-day Machail Mata Yatra, which began on July 25 and was scheduled to continue until September 5, has been suspended. Chishoti, located about 90 km from Kishtwar town, is the last stop before an 8.5 km trek to the shrine.
Relief and rescue efforts are ongoing, with the Indian Air Force on standby for evacuation. Control rooms and help desks have been set up to assist families searching for missing relatives. Many injured have been taken to the Paddar sub-district hospital, while critical cases have been shifted to the district hospital.
Political leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, expressed condolences and assured full assistance. “Every possible help will be provided to those in need,” Modi said, while Sinha confirmed that “men and machinery have been deployed, and the situation is being closely monitored.”
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