Kishtwar: At least 10 people feared dead after a massive cloudburst led to a flash flood in the Chositi area in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district on Thursday afternoon. Authorities immediately swung into action, and a rescue operation has been launched.
Notably, the place where the flash flood struck is the starting point for the Machail Mata Yatra. The pilgrimage is undertaken every year to the shrine of Mata Chandi in Kishtwar. The annual yatra to the shrine has been suspended following the incident.
Visuals From Chositi:
"A flash flood has occurred at Chashoti area in Kishtwar, which is the starting point of the Machail Mata Yatra. Rescue Operations have been started," Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Pankaj Sharma said.
Devotees Being Rescued:
Union Minister Jitendra Singh spoke to Sharma and took stock of the situation.
"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," Singh said in his X post.
"Massive cloud burst in Chositi area, which could result in substantial casualty. Administration has immediately swung into action, rescue team has left for the site. Damage evaluation and, necessary rescue and medical management arrangements being made," He added.
A langar shed (community kitchen) has reportedly been washed away in the flash flood.
Lt Governor Manoj Sinha condoled the loss of lives in the incident.
"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 said on X.
