Heavy rainfall incident in Jammu and Kashmir: Twelve bodies recovered during ongoing rescue efforts; authorities warn that the death toll may increase further
In the heart of Jammu and Kashmir, the picturesque town of Chositi was hit by a devastating cloudburst on August 14, 2025. The incident resulted in a flash flood that left a trail of destruction in its wake.
According to the latest updates, at least 67 people have lost their lives, over 300 have been injured, and approximately 200 are missing[1]. The disaster affected a significant number of residents and pilgrims on the Machail Mata Yatra route, with around 1,200 people present in the area during the incident[1].
The rescue mission is currently underway, with military, paramilitary, police, and disaster management personnel working tirelessly to save lives. Over 100 people have been rescued so far, including some who were critically injured and are currently receiving medical treatment in local hospitals[4].
The administration has suspended the Machail Mata Yatra for safety reasons and is continuing search, rescue, and relief operations. Regular updates are being provided by officials, including Union Minister Jitendra Singh and Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha[2][4].
The impact of the disaster is evident in the extensive damage to homes, pilgrimage infrastructure, vehicles, and community facilities. In Chositi, houses have been buried in mud or swept away, a community kitchen for pilgrims with about 200 people present was destroyed, and multiple vehicles, along with a security camp at the bus stop, were lost to the floodwaters[1][4].
The remote location of Chositi, which is the last motorable village on the pilgrimage route, complicates rescue and relief efforts[1].
As for the weather forecast, while detailed post-incident forecasts are not specifically mentioned in the search results, the area remains prone to cloudbursts and sudden intense rainfall, which have increased in frequency due to climate change. These conditions continue to pose risks of flash floods and landslides in the Himalayan region[4].
The UT administration has taken immediate action following the cloudburst incident in Chositi, and resources are being mobilised to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected population.
- The incident occurred on August 14, 2025, in the Chositi area of Jammu and Kashmir.
- A rescue team has been dispatched to the site of the cloudburst in Chositi.
- The District Commissioner of Kishtwar, Sh Pankaj Kumar Sharma, has been contacted regarding the cloudburst incident in Chositi.
- The Meteorological Centre in Srinagar has forecasted moderate to heavy rain with brief intense showers at many places in J-K for the next 4-6 hours.
- The UT administration has taken immediate action following the cloudburst incident in Chositi.
- There is a possibility of cloudbursts in several places in J-K, including Baramulla, Bandipora, Srinagar, Qazigund, Gandarbal, hilly areas of Budgam, Poonch, Rajouri, Reasi, Doda, and Kishtwar.
These points reflect the most recent authoritative information available as of late August 2025.
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