NEW DELHI: A massive cloudburst struck Chasoti village in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district on Thursday, killing at least 12 people and causing extensive damage. Officials fear the death toll could rise, according to news agency PTI.

J&K’s cloudburst hits remote village during yatra

The disaster occurred between 12 noon and 1 pm in Chasoti, the last motorable point on the way to the Machail Mata temple, when many devotees had gathered for the annual yatra.From Chasoti, located at an altitude of 9,500 feet and about 90 km from Kishtwar, pilgrims begin an 8.5 km trek to the shrine.A ‘langar’ set up for devotees bore the brunt of the flash floods triggered by the cloudburst. “A massive Cloud burst in Chositi area, which could result in substantial casualties. Administration has immediately swung into action, rescue team has left for the site,” Union minister Jitendra Singh posted on X.The yatra was suspended as authorities rushed rescue teams to the area.

NDRF deployed: Rescue and recovery effort underway

Two teams of the NDRF have been deployed from Udhampur, with civil, police, Army, and SDRF personnel joining the operation. Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Pankaj Kumar Sharma said, “Massive rescue operations have been started in the area.”Officials estimated that the rescue, relief, and recovery efforts could take up to 20 days.

‘Closely monitoring situation’

Union home minister Amit Shah spoke to J&K Lieutenant Governor and chief minister Omar Abdullah after a massive cloudburst in Kishtwar and assured them of full support.“Spoke with the LG and Chief Minister of J&K on the cloudburst in Kishtwar district. The local administration is conducting relief and rescue operations. NDRF teams have promptly been rushed to the site,” Shah posted on X.He added that the central government is “closely monitoring the situation” and “stand firmly with the people of Jammu and Kashmir through every situation,” assuring “all possible assistance to the people in need.”Abdullah also posted on X saying, he had briefed Amit Shah about the “grim” situation. “All possible resources are being mobilised from within & beyond J&K to manage the rescue operations,” he said.“I’m not going to be speaking to channels or news agencies. The government will share information as & when possible,” he noted.

Prayers for quick recovery

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed grief, saying, “Anguished by cloudburst in Chositi Kishtwar. Condolences to bereaved families & prayers for quick recovery of injured.”“Directed Civil, Police, Army, NDRF & SDRF officials to strengthen the rescue & relief operations and ensure all possible assistance is provided to the affected,” he added.

Himachal Pradesh: Roads blocked, villages cut off

Heavy rain, cloudbursts, and flash floods also hit several districts of Himachal Pradesh, including Shimla, Kullu, Kinnaur, and Lahaul-Spiti, causing massive destruction but no reported loss of life so far.Since Wednesday night, rainfall has been intense, Kandaghat recorded 100 mm, Una 85.4 mm, Solan 81.4 mm, and Shimla 69 mm. The meteorological department has issued a ‘yellow’ alert for heavy rain at isolated places till August 20.

Total 396 roads including National Highway shut

A total of 396 roads, including National Highway 305, are shut, with Mandi district alone accounting for 173 closures and Kullu for 71. The State Emergency Operation Centre reported that 1,593 power transformers and 178 water supply schemes have been disrupted.In Shimla city, flash floods buried cars under debris and uprooted trees, while some panchayats remained cut off.