Heavy rain-induced landslides strike J&K's Chashoti region, possibly resulting in the deaths of at least 10 people. The Machail Mata Yatra has been indefinitely halted due to the calamity.
Massive Cloudburst Strikes Chashoti Village, Kishtwar District
A catastrophic cloudburst hit the Chashoti village in Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir, on August 14, 2025, triggering flash floods that left a trail of destruction. The incident has claimed the lives of at least 60-67 people, injured over 300, and left around 200 missing or trapped[1][2][3][4].
The disaster has severely affected the Machail Mata Yatra pilgrimage route, sweeping away houses, makeshift camps, a community kitchen, a CRPF camp, and multiple vehicles[1][2][3][4]. The floodwaters also forced the suspension of the annual pilgrimage to the Himalayan shrine of Mata Chandi.
Rescue operations have been underway since the disaster, involving the Indian Army (White Knight formation), police, local officials, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)[1][2][3][4]. However, the efforts have been hampered by bad weather, damaged roads, and the presence of political leaders whose visits reportedly disrupt work[3][4][5].
Senior Superintendent of Police Naresh Singh and Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Sharma have reached the spot to oversee the rescue efforts[1][2][3]. Union Minister Jitendra Singh has stated that the cloudburst in Chashoti is of a massive scale and could lead to substantial casualties[1].
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has directed the police, army, and disaster response agencies to strengthen the rescue operations in Chashoti[1]. He has expressed his anguish over the disaster, offering condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the quick recovery of the injured[1].
Local MLA Sunil Kumar Sharma alerted Union Minister Jitendra Singh about the incident[1]. Two teams from the NDRF have been dispatched to assist in the rescue efforts[1].
Authorities continue to search for missing persons while providing medical aid and evacuating survivors[3][4][5]. As of August 16, 55 bodies had been recovered, and tensions remain high among affected families demanding faster recovery efforts[3][4][5].
The scale of the disaster in Chashoti has taken local authorities by surprise. The event highlights the growing threat of cloudbursts in the Himalayas fueled by climate change and orographic effects causing sudden severe rainfall in narrow valleys[1][2]. Efforts are ongoing to assess the full extent of damage and casualties in Chashoti.
[1] - The Hindu
[2] - NDTV
[3] - The Indian Express
[4] - The Times of India
[5] - Business Standard
Despite the ongoing rescue operations in Chashoti village, the inclement weather and damaged roads remain obstacles, hindering swift progress. The disaster has raised concerns about the health and well-being of those affected, and the potential impact of such extreme weather events on the local sports and recreational activities in the area.
