Union Home Minister Amit Shah took swift action on Thursday, engaging with Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to assess the catastrophic cloudburst that struck Chasoti village in Kishtwar district, claiming at least 12 lives. The disaster, occurring between 12 noon and 1 PM, devastated the remote village, a key stop en route to the Machail Mata temple, where pilgrims had gathered for the annual yatra, now suspended due to the tragedy.

Shah, in a post on X, assured comprehensive support, stating, “Spoke with the LG and Chief Minister of J&K on the cloudburst in Kishtwar district. The local administration is conducting relief and rescue operations. NDRF teams have promptly been rushed to the site.” He emphasized the central government’s commitment to stand “firmly with the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” promising all necessary assistance to those affected.

The cloudburst unleashed torrential floods, causing widespread destruction in Chasoti, the last motorable village before an 8.5 km trek to the Machail Mata shrine. Twelve bodies have been recovered, with fears that the death toll may rise as rescue operations, led by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local teams, continue. Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Sharma and Senior Superintendent of Police Naresh Singh are overseeing efforts on the ground, with additional support from the Army and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).

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The central government’s proactive response, coupled with Shah’s direct engagement, underscores the urgency of addressing the crisis. As rescue teams work tirelessly to locate survivors and clear debris, the focus remains on providing immediate relief, medical aid, and support to the grieving families in this remote, pilgrimage-bound region.

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