Cloudburst in J&K's Kishtwar: 20 dead, Machail Mata Yatra suspended

A massive cloudburst hit the Chosoti village of the Kishtwar district in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, leaving at least 20 people dead. The rescue operations are underway, and 12 bodies have been recovered so far. The authorities have warned that the toll might rise further. 

Chamoti is a remote village in the Kishtwar district, notably the last motorable settlement en route to the Michail Mata shrine. After the cloudburst, the annual Michail Mata Yatra has been suspended. The authorities have mobilised all available resources for rescue and relief operations. 

The sub-divisional magistrate of Paddar has led a team, reaching the affected area to take cognisance of the situation. Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Sharma and Senior Superintendent of Police Naresh Singh are reportedly en route to the affected region to supervise the rescue efforts. 

Following the incident, Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, also spoke to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, briefing him about the situation and the rescue operations carried out. 

Taking to X, the Chief Minister said, "I just spoke to Union Home Minister Amit Shah to brief him about the developing situation in the Kishtwar region of Jammu. The news is grim, and accurate, verified information from the area hit by the cloud burst is slow in arriving. All possible resources are being mobilised from within and beyond J&K to manage rescue operations. The Government will share information as and when possible." 

I just spoke to the Union Home Minister @AmitShah Sb to brief him about the developing situation in Kishtwar region of Jammu. The news is grim & accurate, verified information from the area hit by the cloud burst is slow in arriving. All possible resources are being mobilised…

— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) August 14, 2025

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, while expressing his condolences for the loss of lives, directed the civil administration, Police, Army, NDRF, and SDRF to strengthen the rescue and relief operations in the valley. 

He wrote on X, "Anguished by the cloudburst in Chasoti, Kishtwar. Condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the quick recovery of the injured. Directed officials to provide all possible assistance to those affected." 

Union Minister Jitendra Singh also confirmed the cloudburst, stating that the administration is already in action, and rescue teams have reached the site. 

Just now spoke to DC Kishtwar Sh Pankaj Kumar Sharma after receiving an urgent message from LoP #JammuAndKashmir and local MLA Sh Sunil Kumar Sharma.

Massive cloud burst in Chositi area, which could result in substantial casualty. Administration has immediately swung into…

— Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) August 14, 2025

Currently, the authorities are assessing the situation and damage, further arranging medical aid, relief, and rescue operations in the village and nearby affected areas.