On August 14, 2025, a massive cloudburst struck the Chashoti (Chositi) area in Jammu & Kashmir’s Kishtwar district, triggering deadly flash floods along the revered Machail Mata Yatra route. According to officials, at least ten people are feared dead in the disaster, which also devastated a local community kitchen and disrupted the pilgrimage path.

Immediate rescue efforts have been launched, with assistance led by local authorities, the district administration, and oversight from Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh . Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Sharma confirmed that rescue teams were actively involved in evacuating affected individuals and assessing the damage in real time .

The incident has raised severe concerns over pilgrim safety. The intense waters and debris have made rescue operations difficult, but authorities remain committed to mobilizing all available resources for relief and recovery.