Jammu: A severe cloudburst triggered flash floods in a remote village in Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir, on Thursday, resulting in the deaths of at least 46 individuals, including two members of the CISF, while many others remain trapped.

As darkness descended on Chositi village, rescue teams worked tirelessly to extract 167 individuals from the debris. Officials reported that 38 of these individuals are in critical condition, and the death toll is expected to rise.

The disaster struck Chositi, the last accessible village en route to the Machail Mata temple, between noon and 1 PM. Many people had gathered for the annual Machail Mata pilgrimage, which commenced on July 25 and is set to conclude on September 5. The trek to the 9,500-foot shrine begins from Chositi, covering 8.5 kilometers.

Located approximately 90 kilometers from Kishtwar town, Chositi was severely impacted, with a community kitchen filled with devotees suffering the brunt of the cloudburst, which caused flash floods that obliterated several structures, including shops and a security outpost.

Footage captured the chaos as torrents of muddy water, debris, and silt surged down the steep slopes, demolishing everything in their path. Homes collapsed like cards, rocks fell, obstructing roads and rescue routes, transforming the lush landscape into a grim brown-grey.

This calamity occurred just nine days after flash floods devastated Dharali village in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, where one confirmed death has been reported, but 68 individuals remain missing from the August 5 disaster.

President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed their condolences, assuring that the situation is under close observation.

In a message on X, Modi stated, "My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the cloudburst and flooding in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir. The situation is being monitored closely. Rescue and relief operations are underway."

He further assured that "Every possible assistance will be provided to those in need."

Murmu described the news of multiple fatalities due to the cloudburst in Kishtwar as deeply tragic and extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families while praying for the success of the ongoing relief efforts.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah communicated with Lt Governor Manohar Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to assess the situation.

He noted, "The local administration is conducting relief and rescue operations. NDRF teams have been promptly dispatched to the site," in a post on X.

Following the disaster, Kishtwar Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Sharma and senior officials mobilized rescue teams to oversee operations personally.

A large-scale rescue initiative was launched involving NDRF, SDRF, police, the Army, and local volunteers. Authorities have dispatched additional rescuers, including two new NDRF teams from Jammu, to expedite the rescue efforts.

The Army's White Knight Corps confirmed that they are actively working to protect lives and assist survivors.

"In the aftermath of the cloudburst at Chositi village, Kishtwar, troops of White Knight Corps swiftly mobilized for rescue and relief operations. Efforts are focused on safeguarding lives and aiding survivors. The search for the missing continues, and relief supplies, medical teams, and rescue equipment have been sent to the site. We Serve, We Protect," the corps stated in a post on X.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh was among the first to highlight the severity of the situation.

"A massive cloudburst in Chositi area could lead to significant casualties. The administration has immediately activated rescue teams to the site," Singh posted on X.

The annual pilgrimage to the Machail Mata shrine has been suspended as authorities concentrate all resources on rescue operations in Chositi.

Officials reported that the flash floods impacted numerous homes clustered in the foothills.

The chief minister canceled the 'At Home' tea party and cultural events planned for Independence Day celebrations on Friday due to the loss of lives.

"We have also decided to forgo the cultural events during the morning Independence Day celebrations. However, the formal events, including speeches and the march past, will proceed as scheduled," the chief minister stated in a post on X.

BJP leader Jehanzaib Sirwal expressed his condolences and raised concerns about the unchecked expansion of power projects in Kishtwar.

"While development is crucial, the ongoing projects, pursued without stringent mechanisms or proper environmental assessments, pose a serious threat to our delicate ecosystem," Sirwal remarked, urging the Centre to implement immediate and thorough evaluations of these initiatives.

"If robust measures are not taken now, the consequences for Kishtwar and its residents could be even more disastrous in the future," he warned.

Lt Governor Sinha also conveyed his sorrow.

"I am deeply saddened by the cloudburst in Chositi, Kishtwar. My condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the swift recovery of the injured. I have directed Civil, Police, Army, NDRF, and SDRF officials to enhance rescue and relief operations and ensure all possible assistance is provided to those affected," he stated on X.