Heavy rains and cloudbursts have caused devastation in Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. In J&K’s Kishtwar district, a massive cloudburst struck Chasoti village on Thursday, killing 38 people and leaving many others missing. Rescue teams fear the number could rise as more people are still trapped or unaccounted for.
The incident happened between 12 noon and 1 pm at the last motorable point leading to the Machail Mata temple. At that time, many devotees were gathered for the annual yatra. From Chasoti, pilgrims begin an 8.5 km trek to the shrine. A langar set up for devotees was badly damaged by the flash floods that followed the cloudburst.
Rescue Operations Underway
Union Minister Jitendra Singh said that rescue teams were sent immediately. Two NDRF teams from Udhampur have joined SDRF, the Army, police, and local officials in the rescue work. The operation is challenging because the area is at an altitude of 9,500 feet and has difficult terrain. Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Sharma said the rescue, relief and recovery operations may take up to 20 days.
Leaders React and Offer Support
Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. He assured them that the central government is closely monitoring the situation and will provide all possible help. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, and opposition leader Rahul Gandhi also expressed sorrow over the loss of lives.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has cancelled the “At Home” tea party and all cultural programmes for Independence Day, saying only the official parade and speech will be held.
Floods in Pahalgam
In addition to Kishtwar, flash floods have hit Pahalgam’s Frislan and Batkoot areas. Roads, bridges, and local infrastructure have been damaged, cutting off access in some places.
Himachal Pradesh Faces Heavy Rains
Himachal Pradesh has also been badly affected by heavy rains since Wednesday night. Districts including Shimla, Kullu, Kinnaur, and Lahaul-Spiti have reported landslides, road blockages, and flooding. No deaths have been reported so far, but the damage is widespread.
According to the State Emergency Operation Centre, 396 roads are closed, including National Highway 305. Mandi district alone has 173 road closures, while Kullu has 71. Around 1,593 power transformers are down and 178 water supply schemes are disrupted.
In Shimla, flash floods have buried cars under mud and debris, uprooted trees, and left some villages cut off. The weather department has issued a yellow alert for heavy rain at isolated places until August 20.
