(Image source from: PTI)

At least 12 individuals lost their lives due to a large sudden rainstorm that resulted in a flash flood in the village of Chashoti in the Kishtwar area of Jammu and Kashmir this afternoon. Emergency teams have rushed to the location, and images showed people being rescued. Officials informed the news agency PTI that 12 bodies have been found and there are concerns that the number of casualties could increase. Chashoti is the beginning point for the Machail Mata Yatra and is also the last village accessible by car on the route to the Himalayan temple of Mata Chandi in Kishtwar. The yearly pilgrimage has been put on hold following the flash floods, as stated by officials. "A flash flood took place in the Chashoti area of Kishtwar, which marks the beginning of the Machail Mata Yatra. Rescue efforts have commenced," announced Deputy Commissioner of Kishtwar Pankaj Sharma, who is heading to the area affected by the cloudburst along with Senior Superintendent of Police Naresh Singh. The National Disaster Response Force has already dispatched 180 personnel, equipped with advanced technologies, from its Udhampur base to the area hit by the cloudburst.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh, who represents Udhampur in Jammu and Kashmir, mentioned that he has spoken to Mr. Sharma after being alerted about the cloudburst by the Leader of Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly and local MLA Sunil Kumar Sharma. "The cloudburst is extremely large and could lead to significant loss of life. We quickly contacted the district officials, who were also caught off guard by the situation. They are already on their way to the incident site. We will soon have more information. All possible support will be given. The administration will also arrange helicopter rescues for medical care," he stated. The office of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reported that he is in communication with the district administration and that all relief actions are being implemented. "The Chief Minister has conveyed deep sadness over the tragic cloudburst in Kishtwar and has extended condolences to the grieving families. The Chief Minister's office is coordinating with district officials, and all necessary relief and rescue operations are underway," it added.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has instructed the police, military, and disaster response teams to enhance the rescue efforts. "I am saddened by the cloudburst in Chashoti, Kishtwar. I offer my sympathies to the grieving families and hope for a speedy recovery for the injured. I have directed civil officials, police, military, NDRF, and SDRF personnel to enhance the rescue and relief efforts and to ensure that all possible support is given to those affected," he stated.