A sudden and intense cloudburst struck the remote village of Chositi in the Kishtwar district of Indian-administered Kashmir on August 14, 2025, unleashing devastating flash floods and landslides that have claimed at least 60 lives and left over 200 people missing. The disaster has sparked a massive rescue operation amid difficult terrain and ongoing heavy rains.
The cloudburst, a sudden heavy rainfall event, hit around midday near the Machail Mata Shrine, a significant Hindu pilgrimage site nestled in the Himalayas. The torrents swept away structures including a community kitchen, shops, a security outpost, and several vehicles, causing widespread destruction and entombing residents and pilgrims in debris.
Local disaster management officials reported that rescue teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, army personnel, and local volunteers, have been mobilized. So far, about 300 people have been rescued while search efforts continue for those still trapped under rubble and missing.
The region’s top elected official, Omar Abdullah, described the situation as grim. “Many are still missing, and the death toll and injuries are expected to rise as rescue teams reach more isolated areas,” he said. Authorities face challenges in accessing some affected locations due to damaged roads and bridges swept away by the floods.
Among those confirmed dead are a number of Central Industrial Security Force personnel responding at the scene. Dozens of injured victims are receiving treatment in nearby hospitals, with some in critical condition.
Eyewitness footage and accounts revealed scenes of panic and chaos as terrified pilgrims were caught in the floodwaters while attending the annual Machail Mata pilgrimage, one of the region’s most revered religious events. The loss of life and devastation come just a week after another natural disaster struck the area, compounding the suffering faced by local communities.
Political leaders expressed condolences and called for urgent relief. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi urged authorities to expedite rescue efforts and assist victims, while local leaders canceled public celebrations for India’s upcoming Independence Day as a mark of respect.
The cloudburst disaster underscores Kashmir’s vulnerability to extreme weather events, exacerbated by fragile mountain terrain and climate change. Experts warn such incidents are likely to increase in frequency and severity, threatening lives and livelihoods in the Himalayan region.
Relief operations continue under the coordination of district and state administrations, with air support and heavy machinery deployed to clear debris and reach stranded survivors. Efforts focus on providing food, shelter, and medical aid to displaced and affected populations.
As the search and rescue operation presses on, the Kashmiri community and authorities face the daunting task of recovery and rebuilding in the wake of this devastating natural calamity.
