At least 30 feared dead as flash floods ravage Chositi village in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district, disrupting the Machail Mata Yatra.
August 14, 2025, Chositi, Kishtwar District, Jammu and Kashmir
A massive cloudburst struck Chositi village in Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir, on Thursday, August 14, 2025, triggering flash floods that have left at least 30 people feared dead and caused widespread devastation.
The cloudburst hit Chositi, the last motorable village en route to the Machail Mata shrine, between 12 noon and 1 pm, during the ongoing Machail Mata Yatra, a major pilgrimage attracting thousands. The flash floods swept away homes, shops, a community kitchen (langar), and a security post, leaving many trapped under debris. Rescue operations, involving the NDRF, SDRF, army, and local police, are underway but face challenges due to washed-out roads and adverse weather conditions.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described the situation as “grim,” stating, “Verified information from the area hit by the cloudburst is slow in arriving. All possible resources are being mobilized.” Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured full support, noting, “NDRF teams have promptly been rushed to the site. We stand firmly with the people of Jammu and Kashmir.” Local MLA Sunil Sharma highlighted the scale of the tragedy: “The catastrophe is widespread in Chositi... You can see devastation, deaths, and injuries everywhere.”
Reports indicate at least 30 confirmed deaths, including two CISF personnel, with fears the toll may rise as many remain missing. Over 160 people have been rescued, and 38 are critically injured. The flash floods damaged infrastructure across a 500-meter radius, including vehicles and structures along the pilgrimage route.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences, stating, “My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected... Every possible assistance will be provided.” On X, posts reflected public grief and urgency, with visuals showing mud-covered roads and debris. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha directed enhanced rescue efforts, emphasizing aid to affected families.
Chositi, located 90 km from Kishtwar town, serves as the base for the 8.5-km trek to the Machail Mata shrine. The annual yatra, running from July 25 to September 5, draws heavy pilgrim traffic, increasing vulnerability during monsoons. Similar cloudbursts have recently struck other Himalayan regions, like Uttarkashi, highlighting the region’s susceptibility to extreme weather.
The Chositi cloudburst has caused unprecedented loss, disrupting a sacred pilgrimage and leaving a community in mourning. Rescue operations continue amidst challenging conditions, with authorities urging calm and promising comprehensive aid. The coming days will focus on recovery and assessing the full extent of the damage, as concerns grow over the region’s increasing vulnerability to climate-driven disasters.