A powerful cloudburst struck the Chashoti area of Jammu and Kashmir this afternoon, unleashing a sudden flash flood and raising fears of significant casualties. Rescue teams have been dispatched urgently, and early visuals show ongoing evacuation of stranded pilgrims. Authorities have indicated that at least 10 people may have lost their lives.

Chashoti, the last motorable settlement en route to the Himalayan shrine of Mata Chandi in Kishtwar, also serves as the starting point for the annual Machail Mata Yatra. Officials confirmed that the pilgrimage has been halted in the wake of the disaster.

“Kishtwar’s Chashoti area, which marks the beginning of the Machail Mata Yatra, has been hit by a flash flood. Rescue operations are underway,” said Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Sharma, who is heading to the affected location along with Senior Superintendent of Police Naresh Singh.

The National Disaster Response Force has deployed two teams to assist in the emergency response.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh, representing Udhampur in Parliament, said he was informed of the incident by local MLA and Leader of Opposition Sunil Kumar Sharma, and immediately contacted district officials.

“This cloudburst is on a large scale and could result in considerable loss of life. District authorities were initially caught off guard but have begun moving towards the site. We are awaiting more details, and all necessary support will be extended, including helicopter evacuations for medical emergencies,” he told ANI.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has instructed the police, armed forces, and disaster management units to intensify the relief efforts.

“Deeply saddened by the tragedy in Chashoti, Kishtwar. My condolences to the bereaved and prayers for the swift recovery of the injured. I have directed Civil Administration, Police, Army, NDRF, and SDRF to bolster rescue and relief measures and ensure all help reaches those affected,” he stated.