Union Minister Jitendra Singh fears "Substantial casualties" following 'massive' cloudburst in J-K's Kishtwar

New Delhi [India], August 14 (ANI): Following a "massive" cloudburst in Kishtwar in Jammu and Kashmir, Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Thursday feared that the disaster "could possibly lead to substantial casualties"
A massive cloudburst on Thursday triggered a flash flood in the Chashoti area of Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir, along the route of the Machail Mata Yatra.
Jitendra Singh told reporters that he "got a call" from the Jammu and Kashmir Leader of Opposition and local MLA Sunil Kumar Sharma about a "massive" cloudburst.
"It also happens to be the route of the popular Machail Mata Yatra which takes place there. The cloudburst is on a massive scale, which could possibly lead to substantial casualties"
"We immediately got in touch with the District authorities, who were also at a loss, as it had taken everyone by surprise. They have already started moving towards the site of the incident. Very soon we will know more details. Every possible assistance will be provided. The administration will also make arrangements for heli-rescue for medical treatment."
Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, offered condolences to the beraved families.

Anguished by cloudburst in Chositi Kishtwar. Condolences to bereaved families & prayers for quick recovery of injured. Directed Civil, Police, Army, NDRF & SDRF officials to strengthen the rescue & relief operations and ensure all possible assistance is provided to the affected.

— Office of LG J&K (@OfficeOfLGJandK) August 14, 2025

"Anguished by cloudburst in Chositi Kishtwar. Condolences to bereaved families & prayers for quick recovery of injured. Directed Civil, Police, Army, NDRF & SDRF officials to strengthen the rescue & relief operations and ensure all possible assistance is provided to the affected," the office of LG J-K said on X.
Meanwhile, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) said it has rushed two teams to the spot. (ANI)