At least 46 people have been killed after a cloudburst triggered flash floods in the remote village of Chasoti in Jammu & Kashmir’s Kishtwar district on Thursday afternoon. Among the dead are two personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), local sources confirmed.
The sudden deluge struck around 1 p.m., sweeping away houses, shops, a security post, and a community kitchen set up for pilgrims. Many pilgrims en route to the famous Machail Mata Temple via Chasoti were caught in the disaster.
Rescue teams have saved 167 people from the floods and landslides, with 38 reported to be in critical condition. The operation involved the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the Indian Army, police, and local volunteers, who worked through the night.
Twelve excavators are being used in the search and rescue efforts, while control rooms and help desks have been set up across the district to assist residents and pilgrims.
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