At least 12 people are feared dead after a massive cloudburst struck the Paddar Tashoti area of Kishtwar district in Jammu & Kashmir on Wednesday, triggering flash floods that swept away a langer (community kitchen) shed. While there has been no official confirmation of casualties, eyewitnesses and local reports indicate significant loss of life.

Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh confirmed he had spoken to Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Pankaj Kumar Sharma, after receiving an urgent message from Leader of Opposition in J&K and local MLA, Sunil Kumar Sharma. “A massive cloudburst in the Chositi area could result in substantial casualties. Administration has swung into action; the rescue team has left for the site. Damage evaluation and necessary medical management arrangements are being made,” Dr. Singh stated on X.

Starting Point of Machail Mata Yatra Hit

Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Sharma reported that the flash flood occurred at Chashoti, the starting point of the Machail Mata Yatra, a major annual pilgrimage in the region. Rescue operations have been launched, with teams braving adverse conditions to reach stranded victims.

Visuals shared online depict damaged infrastructure, including the Chashoti bridge, as swollen streams and debris-laden water gush through the valley.

Leaders Express Condolences

J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and extended condolences to the bereaved families. His office confirmed it is in constant touch with district authorities to coordinate relief efforts.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also voiced anguish and directed civil, police, army, NDRF, and SDRF teams to intensify rescue operations. “Ensure all possible assistance is provided to the affected,” he instructed.

BJP leader Sunil Sharma, who is also the Leader of Opposition, announced he is en route to the site to oversee relief measures, adding that helicopters are being mobilized for urgent evacuations.

Weather Warning for Jammu & Kashmir

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) Srinagar has issued a Nowcast alert predicting moderate to heavy rainfall, brief intense showers, thunder, lightning, and gusty winds over the next 4–6 hours.

Areas likely to be impacted include Kupwara, Baramulla, Bandipora, Srinagar, Ganderbal, hilly Budgam, as well as parts of Poonch, Rajouri, Reasi, Udhampur, Jammu, Doda, and Kishtwar. The Qazigund–Banihal–Ramban highway may also face intense rainfall, heightening risks of flash floods, landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones.

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