Srinagar: Kishtwar district in Indian-administered Kashmir has been hit by a devastating cloudburst, unleashing sudden flash floods that have left at least 38 people dead and dozens missing. The disaster struck Chasoti village on the Machail Mata Yatra pilgrimage route on Wednesday afternoon, when hundreds of devotees had gathered for lunch at a community kitchen.
Early reports suggested around 17 fatalities, but the death toll quickly rose as rescue teams reached the remote Himalayan location. According to officials, over 100 people have been rescued, including many with serious injuries. Several security personnel are among the victims, with one Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) officer confirmed dead and others still missing.
The cloudburst washed away the community kitchen, a police post, and several makeshift shelters, trapping pilgrims and local residents in the fast-rising waters. The force of the flood swept through the narrow valley, causing widespread destruction and cutting off road access.
Rescue efforts are being led by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Army, Air Force, and local police. Helicopters have been deployed to airlift the injured, while makeshift relief camps have been set up for survivors. Officials have suspended the Machail Mata Yatra until further notice.
Political leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, and opposition figures, have expressed condolences to the families of the victims. The Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor has ordered immediate relief measures and financial assistance for the affected.
The incident comes amid a series of heavy rain events and landslides across northern India this monsoon season. Meteorological authorities have warned of continued rainfall in the region, raising concerns about further flash floods and landslides in the fragile Himalayan terrain.
Authorities say the number of casualties could rise as rescuers continue to search for those missing in the debris and fast-moving waters. The tragedy underscores the growing vulnerability of mountain communities to extreme weather events, which experts link to changing climate patterns.