Kishtwar, Aug 14: At least 17 people were killed and 65 rescued after a massive cloudburst struck Chositi village in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district on Thursday, causing widespread destruction. Officials fear the death toll could rise as rescue efforts continue.
The disaster hit between 12 noon and 1 pm in Chositi, the last motorable point on the route to the Machail Mata temple, when a large number of devotees had gathered for the annual yatra. The village marks the start of the 8.5-km trek to the shrine located at an altitude of 9,500 feet.
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The cloudburst triggered flash floods that swept away several structures, including shops, a security outpost, and a ‘langar’ (community kitchen) set up for pilgrims.
Rescue and relief operations are underway, with teams working to locate the missing and provide aid to survivors.
