At least 10 people are feared dead following a cloudburst in Chosoti village, halting the Machail Mata Yatra and prompting extensive rescue operations in Kishtwar district.
A devastating cloudburst in Chosoti, a remote village located on the route to the sacred Machail Mata shrine in Kishtwar district, has left at least 10 people feared dead, according to officials. The incident occurred on Thursday, striking the last motorable point before the shrine and abruptly halting the annual pilgrimage, plunging the region into mourning.
Officials reported that torrential rains triggered the sudden disaster, which swept away structures and left numerous individuals trapped or missing. In response to the tragedy, authorities swiftly suspended the Machail Mata Yatra and mobilized all available resources for rescue and relief efforts.
A team led by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Paddar arrived at the affected site within hours of the incident. Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Sharma and Senior Superintendent of Police Naresh Singh also rushed to the scene to oversee the ground operations. Rescue forces, including the Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), have joined local police and civil administration in a coordinated mission to save lives and provide emergency assistance.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed his deep sorrow over the loss of lives, stating, “Anguished by the cloudburst in Chosoti, Kishtwar. Condolences to bereaved families and prayers for quick recovery of the injured. Directed officials to provide all possible assistance to those affected.”
Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Jitendra Singh, confirmed the incident and assured that the administration had “swung into action,” with rescue teams already deployed at the site.
Authorities have activated NDRF, SDRF, and security forces to expedite the rescue operation. Teams are working tirelessly around the clock to locate the missing, evacuate survivors, and provide urgent medical assistance, all while contending with heavy rains and challenging terrain.
The situation remains critical as rescue operations continue, and the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event.
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