Kishtwar in Jammu and Kashmir witnessed a devastating flash flood on Thursday after a sudden cloudburst near Chasoti village, close to the revered Machail Mata temple. The disaster, reminiscent of the recent tragedy in Dharali, Uttarkashi, has left several feared dead and many trapped.
According to officials, at least 12 people have lost their lives, though the death toll is expected to rise as rescue teams continue their search. The flash flood struck around midday, sweeping through the area with massive force. The village, known as the starting point of the Machail Mata Yatra, was caught off guard by the sheer intensity of the deluge.
Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Sharma confirmed that rescue teams comprising police, Army personnel, and the State Disaster Response Force were rushed to the site immediately. Helicopters are also on standby for possible air evacuations.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has directed all forces to prioritize the rescue operation and ensure swift assistance to those stranded. Union Minister Jitendra Singh has been in constant touch with district authorities to monitor the situation.
The incident comes barely days after a similar calamity in Uttarakhand’s Dharali and Harsil villages on August 5, where a flash flood buried large parts of Dharali under debris, claiming five lives. The back-to-back disasters have once again highlighted the growing vulnerability of Himalayan regions to extreme weather events.
