A community kitchen crowded with devotees took the direct impact, as flash floods triggered by the cloudburst swept away multiple structures.
A devastating cloudburst in the Chositi village of Kishtwar district has claimed the lives of at least 65 people, including two CISF personnel, and left dozens more missing as rescue operations continue in the region.
The disaster struck suddenly on Thursday during the Machail Mata Yatra route, triggering flash floods and sweeping away everything in its path — homes, trees, and people.
Eyewitnesses described terrifying scenes as a powerful surge of water cascaded down from the mountains, catching villagers off guard.
Panic spread rapidly as people screamed for help and chanted "Jai Mata Di" in desperation while attempting to flee the oncoming torrent.
Several individuals were swept away before the onlookers' eyes, while others were miraculously pulled from the water or managed to escape just in time.
Large boulders carried by the force of the water crushed homes and vehicles, leaving many trapped beneath debris.
Search and rescue teams, including personnel from the Army, NDRF, SDRF, police, and local administration, are currently engaged in frantic efforts to locate survivors.
Heavy machinery has been deployed to clear fallen trees, rocks, and damaged power lines, reopening access routes and facilitating the acceleration of aid delivery.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited the disaster-hit region on Saturday to assess the damage and meet with affected families.
During his visit, he announced ex gratia compensation from the CM's Relief Fund:.
