A catastrophic cloudburst struck Chositi village in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district on August 14, 2025, triggering flash floods that resulted in significant loss of life and widespread destruction. The incident occurred around 11:30 AM IST, impacting the Machail Mata Yatra pilgrimage. Initial reports confirmed at least 65 fatalities, with over 200 individuals reported missing. Homes, a community kitchen, and a security post were among the structures swept away by the powerful floods.
Rescue operations were immediately initiated, involving coordinated efforts from the Indian Army, NDRF, SDRF, police, and local volunteers. These operations have been hampered by challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions. The Machail Mata Yatra has been suspended until further notice. Experts have linked the event to the broader impacts of climate change and development in the fragile Himalayan ecosystem, noting the region's increasing vulnerability to extreme weather events due to factors like deforestation and unplanned construction.
This tragedy follows similar incidents, including a cloudburst near the Amarnath Yatra route in July 2022 that caused at least 16 deaths, and another in the Ramban district in August 2025 that blocked the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. Rescue efforts in Kishtwar include Army engineers working to establish a bailey bridge to restore connectivity to Chositi village and the Machail Mata shrine. Controlled explosions were conducted to clear boulders obstructing search operations. The scale of destruction underscores the immense power of the flash floods, prompting authorities to assure full assistance for relief and rehabilitation.