At least 60 dead, over 250 missing after severe flash floods in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir, India

A sudden, intense cloudburst over Chosoti, the last motorable point on the Machail Mata pilgrimage route, triggered devastating flash floods that swept away temporary shelters packed with pilgrims, vehicles and other infrastructure like community kitchen and security posts. The incident occurred during midday, when hundreds of people were gathered for lunch.

At least 60 fatalities have been confirmed, including two personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). More than 300 people were rescued, around 50 of them in critical condition, and over 250 individuals remain missing.

Witnesses described a sudden roar followed by a wall of water and debris. “They had no time to run,” locals told reporters, recounting how the torrent demolished structures within seconds.

Mohammed Irshad, a disaster management official, reported that 56 bodies were recovered within hours, with many more feared buried under mud and rubble.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, Indian Air Force, and local volunteers have been deployed. More than 300 army personnel were mobilized, supported by Mi-17 and ALH helicopters for aerial evacuation and supply drops.

A control room and helpline were established to coordinate rescue and trace missing persons. Ababeel, a local humanitarian NGO, was among the first responders, dispatching over 30 ambulances and providing on-site medical aid.

The Machail Mata Yatra, a major annual Hindu pilgrimage, has been suspended indefinitely. Chosoti, being the final road-accessible village before the trek to the temple, was a hub of activity at the time.

Temporary kitchens, rest areas, and security posts were destroyed or swept away. Pilgrims from multiple Indian states were present when the disaster struck.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and Union Minister Jitendra Singh are overseeing relief and rescue operations.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration canceled all cultural events for Independence Day, including the traditional “At Home” reception.

Kishtwar district lies in the Chenab Valley, an area prone to extreme weather due to its steep mountain terrain and proximity to moisture-laden monsoon systems. Cloudbursts sudden, high-intensity rainfall events often trigger flash floods and landslides.

References:

¹ Jammu-Kashmir Cloudburst: At least 60 killed, over 100 injured after massive cloudburst hits Kishtwar; NDRF personnel deployed – Economic Times – August 14, 2025

Reet Kaur

I’m a science journalist and researcher at The Watchers, contributing to the Epicenter edition, where I cover peer-reviewed scientific research and emerging discoveries across Earth and space sciences. With a background in astronomy and a passion for environmental science, I’ve worked in shark and coral conservation in Fiji, conducting reef and shark-behavior research, contributing to mangrove restoration, and earning PADI Open Water and Coral Reef Certifications. I bring a blend of scientific rigor and storytelling to illuminate the discoveries shaping our planet and beyond.

This author does not have any more posts.