J&K: A massive cloudburst in the Chositi area of Paddar, Kishtwar district, triggered flash floods that swept away a langar (community kitchen) shed, leaving at least 12 people feared dead. While there is no official confirmation of the exact casualties, rescue operations are underway amid fears that the toll could rise.
The incident occurred in the early hours at Chashoti, the starting point of the Machail Mata Yatra. The sudden deluge caught locals and pilgrims off guard, with several people reported missing. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed two fully equipped teams—about 180 personnel—from its Udhampur base to assist in the rescue mission.
Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh, responding to an urgent message from J&K Leader of Opposition and local MLA Sunil Kumar Sharma, spoke to Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Sharma to take stock of the situation.
“A massive cloudburst in Chositi could result in substantial casualties. Rescue teams are on their way, with damage evaluation and medical arrangements underway,” Dr. Singh posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Sharma confirmed flash floods in the area and said joint teams of the district administration, police, Army, NDRF, and SDRF have been mobilised.
Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed “deep sorrow over the tragic cloudburst” and confirmed he had briefed Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the developing situation. “The news is grim, but verified information is arriving slowly from the area. All possible resources are being mobilised,” he wrote, urging restraint in sharing unverified reports.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also expressed anguish and directed officials to strengthen rescue and relief efforts. “Condolences to bereaved families and prayers for the injured,” he said.
BJP leader Sunil Sharma, who is en route to the site, said helicopters and NDRF units are being mobilised and that he will personally oversee rescue and medical operations.
The Meteorological Centre in Srinagar has issued a Nowcast alert predicting moderate to heavy rainfall, intense showers, thunder, lightning, and gusty winds across Jammu & Kashmir over the next 4–6 hours.
Officials caution that such intense spells can trigger flash floods and landslides in the hilly terrain. Districts including Reasi, Udhampur, Samba, Kathua, Doda, Kishtwar, Poonch, Rajouri, and Ramban have been put on high alert.
This incident comes days after a similar cloudburst devastated Uttarkashi in Uttarakhand, wiping out much of Dharali village. Scientists warn that extreme rainfall events are becoming more frequent in the Himalayan belt due to climate change, deforestation, and unplanned construction, which weaken the region’s natural defences.
According to the IMD, northwest India has received 15% above-normal rainfall this season, with the monsoon trough shifting northwards, dumping excess rain in the Himalayan foothills. The combination of saturated soil, fragile slopes, and intense downpours has made the region increasingly disaster-prone.
As the rescue operation continues in Chositi, authorities urge residents and pilgrims to avoid riverbanks and steep slopes until weather conditions improve.
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