A major cloudburst struck the Machail Mata Yatra route in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir, on Thursday, washing away a large shed and causing flash floods. Initial reports suggest at least 10 fatalities.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh cautioned that the sudden cloudburst in Chositi may trigger severe human and property losses. He confirmed that rescue teams have been dispatched, and damage evaluation and medical assistance are underway.

J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha directed civil, police, Army, NDRF, and SDRF teams to strengthen rescue and relief efforts, offering all possible assistance to the affected.

The incident comes days after a similar cloudburst in Uttarakhand’s Dharali buried half the village under mudslides.

Just now spoke to DC Kishtwar Sh Pankaj Kumar Sharma after receiving an urgent message from LoP #JammuAndKashmir and local MLA Sh Sunil Kumar Sharma.

Massive cloud burst in Chositi area, which could result in substantial casualty. Administration has immediately swung into…

— Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) August 14, 2025