LG directs full-scale relief mobilisation; Dr. Jitendra monitors situation
Yash Khajuria
Jammu, Aug 14: At least ten people are feared dead after a massive cloudburst struck Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district on Thursday, unleashing flash floods that swept through Chishoti, the starting point of the revered Machail Mata Yatra. The deluge, occurring amid peak pilgrimage activity, has left the mountainous route battered and rescue agencies scrambling against time.
Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Pankaj Sharma, confirmed that emergency teams were deployed immediately. “A flash flood has occurred at Chositi area in Kishtwar, which is the starting point of the Machail Mata Yatra. Rescue operations have been started,” he said. Officials are still assessing the full scale of the damage and are yet to confirm any casualties.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed grief over the incident and extended condolences to affected families. He said the police, Army, and units from the NDRF and SDRF were working jointly to intensify relief efforts. “Anguished by cloudburst in Chositi Kishtwar. Condolences to bereaved families & prayers for quick recovery of injured,” he stated, assuring that all necessary aid was being provided.
Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh said he had spoken directly with the district administration after receiving an urgent message from J&K Leader of Opposition and local MLA Sunil Kumar Sharma. “A massive cloud burst in the Chositi area could result in substantial casualties. Administration has immediately swung into action, rescue team has left for the site. Damage evaluation and necessary rescue and medical management arrangements being made,” he posted on X.
Sharma, who represents the constituency, warned that the situation could worsen given the dense crowding caused by the ongoing pilgrimage. “We don’t have any numbers or data yet, but there is a possibility of huge damage. Due to the ongoing yatra, the area is congested,” he said.
As rescue teams battle turbulent waters and debris, the region waits anxiously for updates on the fate of those caught in the sudden disaster. With communication lines strained and access routes disrupted, the unfolding relief operation will determine how swiftly the Machail Yatra can recover from this sudden blow.
