On August 14, 2025, a massive cloudburst struck Chasoti (also referred to as Chasoti/Chositi) village in the remote Padder region of Kishtwar district, Jammu & Kashmir, disrupting the Machail Mata pilgrimage route. The incident occurred between 12 noon and 1 pm, when many pilgrims were gathered at a langar (community kitchen) and waiting to begin their trek.
जम्मू कश्मीर के किश्तवाड़ में आज दोपहर 12.30 बजे बादल फटा। मचैल माता मंदिर के यात्रा मार्ग पर ये आपदा आई है। इसमें अभी तक 10 लोगों की मौत की आशंका है। बड़ी संख्या में लोग फंसे हुए हैं। बचाव-राहत कार्य जारी है। pic.twitter.com/3SzCdMfCEX
— Sachin Gupta (@SachinGuptaUP) August 14, 2025
Kishtwar at least 30 people, have died and more than 200 are missing after a massive cloudburst struck Chositi village in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district on Thursday, triggering flash floods and large-scale destruction.#Kishtwar #kishtwarcloudburst pic.twitter.com/lz94Y9V3jS
— Shahzad (@ShahzadPara_X) August 14, 2025
Human Impact and Casualties
The disaster resulted in significant casualties: official figures varied as rescue operations progressed. Reports confirm at least 38 to 44 people killed, including two CISF (Central Industrial Security Force) personnel. Additionally, over 100 were injured, and more than 200 were reported missing or trapped. Cases differed among sources, reflecting the evolving situation.Rescue and Relief Efforts
Rescue operations were swiftly launched by the NDRF, SDRF, local police, the Indian Army, paramilitary forces, and volunteers. A control room was set up to coordinate relief efforts, and injured were transported to nearby hospitals such as Atholi and Kishtwar.