KISHTWAR, AUGUST 16, 2025 — Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reached the flood-ravaged Chasoti village in Kishtwar district Saturday, as rescue and relief operations surged following a devastating cloudburst that triggered flash floods. The disaster, which struck on August 14, has left at least 60 people dead and over 100 injured, with 75 residents still reported missing. Local witnesses fear the true toll may be much higher, as hundreds could be buried beneath rubble, massive boulders, and uprooted trees. businesstoday
Chief Minister Abdullah, who arrived in Kishtwar late Friday, set out for Chasoti early Saturday morning, accompanied by political advisor Nasir Aslam Wani. Upon arrival, he received a briefing from military authorities supervising the multi-agency rescue operation. For a comprehensive assessment of the damage, Abdullah was given a virtual reality headset depicting the extent of destruction.
Chasoti, the last motorable village before the Machail Mata temple, was struck at 12:25p.m. Thursday by surging flash floods. The torrent flattened makeshift markets, a community kitchen established for temple pilgrims, a security outpost, at least 16 residential and government buildings, three temples, four water mills, a 30-meter bridge, and over a dozen vehicles. The powerful floodwaters disrupted power, water supply, and communication lines throughout the area. businesstoday
Rescue teams comprising the Army, NDRF, SDRF, and local volunteers continue to search for survivors. Families have reported dozens missing, while survivors recount miraculous escapes amid the chaos. Relief camps have been set up as authorities vow sustained efforts in search, rescue, and rehabilitation. awazthevoice
The annual Machail Mata Yatra, which began July 25 and was slated to finish September 5, remains suspended for the third consecutive day. The pilgrimage’s 8.5km trek to the 9,500-foot-high shrine starts from Chasoti, approximately 90km from Kishtwar town. kashmirobserver+1
Chief Minister Abdullah assured families of all possible support and directed officials to expedite relief and ensure medical care for victims.
KISHTWAR, AUGUST 16, 2025 — Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reached the flood-ravaged Chasoti village in Kishtwar district Saturday, as rescue and relief operations surged following a devastating cloudburst that triggered flash floods. The disaster, which struck on August 14, has left at least 60 people dead and over 100 injured, with 75 residents still reported missing. Local witnesses fear the true toll may be much higher, as hundreds could be buried beneath rubble, massive boulders, and uprooted trees. businesstoday
Chief Minister Abdullah, who arrived in Kishtwar late Friday, set out for Chasoti early Saturday morning, accompanied by political advisor Nasir Aslam Wani. Upon arrival, he received a briefing from military authorities supervising the multi-agency rescue operation. For a comprehensive assessment of the damage, Abdullah was given a virtual reality headset depicting the extent of destruction.
Chasoti, the last motorable village before the Machail Mata temple, was struck at 12:25p.m. Thursday by surging flash floods. The torrent flattened makeshift markets, a community kitchen established for temple pilgrims, a security outpost, at least 16 residential and government buildings, three temples, four water mills, a 30-meter bridge, and over a dozen vehicles. The powerful floodwaters disrupted power, water supply, and communication lines throughout the area. businesstoday
Rescue teams comprising the Army, NDRF, SDRF, and local volunteers continue to search for survivors. Families have reported dozens missing, while survivors recount miraculous escapes amid the chaos. Relief camps have been set up as authorities vow sustained efforts in search, rescue, and rehabilitation. awazthevoice
The annual Machail Mata Yatra, which began July 25 and was slated to finish September 5, remains suspended for the third consecutive day. The pilgrimage’s 8.5km trek to the 9,500-foot-high shrine starts from Chasoti, approximately 90km from Kishtwar town. kashmirobserver+1
Chief Minister Abdullah assured families of all possible support and directed officials to expedite relief and ensure medical care for victims.
