A devastating cloudburst struck Chashoti village in the Padder area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district on Thursday, killing at least 32 people, including two CISF personnel. The incident triggered flash floods that swept away a langar (community kitchen) set up for pilgrims of the Machail Mata Yatra. Over 100 individuals remain missing, and nearly 120 others have sustained injuries, several of them in critical condition, raising concerns of a rising death toll.

Rescue and relief efforts are underway with multiple agencies involved. The Indian Army, NDRF, SDRF, local police, and civil administration have been mobilized, and air rescue assistance is on standby. Visuals from the scene showed distressed pilgrims being airlifted and evacuated from the affected region. Chashoti, a key point along the route of the annual Machail Mata pilgrimage, has now been rendered inaccessible, prompting officials to suspend the yatra.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and directed all rescue agencies to intensify operations. “Condolences to the bereaved families. Prayers for the quick recovery of the injured,” he stated, assuring all possible support to the victims. Union Minister Jitendra Singh and Home Minister Amit Shah have both been briefed on the situation. Shah confirmed that NDRF teams had been swiftly dispatched and that the Centre is closely monitoring developments.

Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Sharma and SSP Naresh Singh are on the ground to oversee the situation, while 180 NDRF personnel equipped with modern rescue equipment have been deployed from Udhampur.

Former J&K Chief Ministers Omar Abdullah and Farooq Abdullah also expressed their grief and support. Omar Abdullah’s office confirmed that he is in constant contact with local authorities, while Farooq Abdullah linked the increasing frequency of such incidents to the impact of climate change.

The Indian Meteorological Department has issued a warning for more moderate to heavy rainfall across Jammu & Kashmir in the coming hours, with the possibility of intense showers, gusty winds, and lightning.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his condolences via X, stating that all necessary assistance will be provided and that the situation is being monitored closely. Authorities continue to race against time, hoping to locate survivors amid challenging weather conditions and rough terrain.