Staff Correspondent
At least 46 people have died after a sudden cloudburst triggered flash floods in Chasooti area of Kishtwar district, Jammu & Kashmir, on Thursday afternoon. According to NDTV, the death toll may rise as rescue teams continue search operations. Videos circulating on social media show many pilgrims stranded in the deluge, with responders already rescuing 167 people—38 of whom remain in critical condition, PTI reported.
The disaster struck near the starting point of the annual Machail Mata pilgrimage, forcing authorities to suspend the religious journey. Kishtwar District Commissioner Pankaj Sharma confirmed the flash floods hit Chasooti—the pilgrimage’s base camp—prompting the deployment of 180 NDRF personnel from Udhampur. Central Minister Jitendra Singh warned of “widespread casualties,” adding that helicopters are being arranged for medical evacuations.
J&K Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha has directed police, army, and disaster agencies to intensify rescue efforts, while Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed condolences. Relief operations are being coordinated with local administrations, officials confirmed. The region remains on high alert as heavy rains persist.