Chashoti cludburst, 12 feared dead; Machail Mata Yatra suspended

August 14, 2025 by News Desk

A massive cloudburst struck Chasoti, the last motorable village on the route to the Machail Mata shrine in Jammu Kashmir’s Kishtwar district on Thursday, leaving at least 12 people feared dead, officials said.

The incident occurred along the pilgrimage route, prompting authorities to immediately suspend the annual yatra and launch large-scale rescue and relief operations.

Teams from the Civil Administration, Police, Army, NDRF, and SDRF have been mobilised.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed grief over the tragedy, offering condolences to the bereaved families and wishing a speedy recovery for the injured. “Directed officials to strengthen rescue & relief operations and ensure all possible assistance to those affected,” he said on X.

A team led by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Padder has already reached the location.

Officials confirmed that so far, 12 people are feared to have lost their lives in the disaster. Rescue efforts are ongoing.