A devastating cloudburst struck Chishoti village in the Paddar sub-division of Kishtwar district, Jammu & Kashmir, on Thursday, August 14, halting the ongoing Machail Mata Yatra. The Disaster struck Chositi, the last motorable village on the way to Machail Mata temple, between 12 noon and 1 pm on Friday. A large number of people had gathered there for the annual Machail Mata yatra that began on July 25 and was scheduled to end on September 5. The 8.5 km trek to the 9,500-feet shrine begins from Chositi, which is about 90 kilometres from Kishtwar town.
News agency reported that at least 46 bodies have been recovered and there are fears that the death count could rise. Rescuers have pulled out 167 people from under mounds of rubble, officials said, adding the condition of 38 of them is serious.
Officials confirmed that at least 15 bodies have been recovered so far, with several people still missing. Rescue teams are racing against time to locate survivors amidst challenging terrain and unpredictable weather.
Pilgrimage Suspended Amid Massive Rescue and Relief Operations
The annual pilgrimage to Machail Mata has been suspended indefinitely as authorities mobilise every available resource for relief work. SDRF, NDRF, and local administration teams are on the ground, supported by police and medical units.
Despite the remote location and heavy rainfall complicating the mission, officials remain determined. The focus now is on saving lives and providing immediate aid to survivors and affected families.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke directly with J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah regarding the tragedy. He assured all possible assistance to the people of Jammu & Kashmir, confirming that NDRF teams have been rushed to the site and the situation is being closely monitored from Delhi.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh has been coordinating with central agencies, acknowledging that difficult terrain and poor weather are slowing access. Nevertheless, rescue teams are making steady progress.
Helpline Numbers Issued for Victims and Pilgrims
To assist victims and families, the J&K administration has established a control room-cum-help desk in Paddar, located 15 km from Chishoti village.
📞 Help Desk Numbers:
9858223125, 6006701934, 9797504078, 8492886895, 8493801381, 7006463710
📞 District Control Room:
01995-259555, 9484217492
📞 Police Control Room (Kishtwar):
9906154100
These lines remain active 24/7 to provide updates and coordinate assistance.
Both Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Omar Abdullah expressed deep sorrow over the incident, assuring full-scale rescue and relief measures. Across the country, prayers and support messages have been pouring in for the victims and their families.
This tragedy serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the Himalayan terrain and the urgent need for enhanced safety protocols during major pilgrimages.
