On August 14, a disaster destroyed homes, temples, and infrastructure near Machail Mata temple, suspending the annual yatra for three days
Jammu
Rescue and relief efforts continued for the third straight day in Kishtwar’s Chashoti village after a devastating cloudburst and flash floods killed at least 60 people and injured over 100. Officials said 46 bodies have been identified and handed over to families, while 75 others remain missing. Locals fear the true number may be much higher, with many possibly buried under rubble and boulders.
The disaster struck on August 14 around 12:25 p.m., flattening a makeshift market, community kitchen, and security outpost along the route to the Machail Mata temple. Sixteen houses, government buildings, three temples, four water mills, a 30-metre bridge, and more than a dozen vehicles were destroyed. The annual Machail Mata yatra, which began on July 25, has been suspended for three days.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reached Kishtwar on Friday and visited Chashoti on Saturday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with the Lieutenant-Governor and the Chief Minister, assuring full central assistance. Union Minister Jitendra Singh, accompanied by J&K DGP Nalin Prabhat, also visited the site to review rescue operations late Friday night.
The Army, NDRF, SDRF, BRO, police, civil administration, and local volunteers are working together in the high-altitude terrain. Over 300 Army personnel, earth-movers, dog squads, and specialised equipment have been deployed to speed up the search for survivors.
Among the dead are two CISF personnel and a local police Special Police Officer. Officials say the scale of damage is the worst seen in years in the region. Relief work continues as families search desperately for their missing loved ones.
