At least 33 people died, including two Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel and many still missing, after a massive cloudburst struck Chashoti village in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district on Thursday.

On Thursday, August 14, 2025, a massive cloudburst struck Chashoti (also spelled Chositi or Chasoti), a remote village in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district, triggering devastating flash floods. The disaster occurred around midday, between 12 noon and 1 PM, along the pilgrimage route to the Machail Mata temple, a significant spiritual site at the starting point of the 8.5-kilometer trek to the 9,500-feet-high shrine. The cloudburst caused widespread destruction, washing away roads, eateries, a langar (community kitchen) shed, shops, a security post, and several houses in the densely populated hamlet located at the foothill.

Casualty estimates vary, with reports indicating significant loss of life. At least 17 people are confirmed dead, with fears that the toll could rise as rescue operations continue. Some news channels reports up to 33 feared dead, 50–120 injured, and 19–26 people still missing, with chances of survival described as grim by local authorities. The ongoing Machail Mata Yatra, which draws numerous pilgrims, was suspended due to the disaster, as the area was congested with devotees at the time of the cloudburst, exacerbating the impact.

Rescue and relief efforts were swiftly mobilized. The Kishtwar district administration, led by Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Sharma and Senior Superintendent of Police Naresh Singh, is overseeing operations. Two National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams were dispatched from Udhampur, alongside State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, army, and civil administration personnel. Sixty-five people have been rescued so far, but challenging terrain and ongoing adverse weather conditions, including moderate to heavy rainfall with thunder, lightning, and gusty winds, are hampering efforts.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad expressed condolences and are closely monitoring the situation. Singh noted the potential for “substantial casualties” and confirmed that additional rescue teams are struggling to reach the site. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also assured that the situation is being closely monitored, with all possible assistance being provided to those affected.

Mirwaiz of Kashmir, Umar Farooq in his message on X said "Deeply anguished by the tragic cloudburst in Chashoti, Kishtwar, which has resulted in multiple casualties and widespread distress. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the swift recovery of the injured."

Visuals from the scene show extensive damage, with mud, debris, and boulders covering large areas near residential zones, blocking roads, and complicating access. The Meteorological Centre Srinagar issued a Nowcast alert for continued heavy rainfall in the region over the next 4–6 hours, raising concerns about further flash floods.

Local leaders, including Leader of Opposition Sunil Kumar Sharma, highlighted the scale of the disaster, noting significant damage due to the congested pilgrimage route. BJP leader Jehanzaib Sirwal raised concerns about unchecked power projects in Kishtwar, suggesting that inadequate environmental assessments may have contributed to the region’s vulnerability to such natural disasters.

The cloudburst in Chashoti follows a pattern of similar incidents in the region, with multiple cloudbursts and flash floods reported in nearby Ladakh, affecting villages like Lamayuru and Bodhkharbu. While no lives were lost in those incidents, extensive damage to infrastructure and crops was reported, with the Indian Army and Border Roads Organisation (BRO) assisting in relief efforts.

Rescue operations remain ongoing, with authorities prioritizing the search for missing individuals and providing medical care and relief to survivors. The full extent of the damage and final casualty figures are yet to be confirmed as efforts continue in the remote and rugged terrain of Kishtwar.