Significant news emerges from the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir. A violent cloudburst occurred Thursday in the Chashoti village of the Padar area, leading to fears of multiple fatalities and missing individuals. This calamity transpired as thousands of devotees arrived for the Machail Mata pilgrimage, with the cloudburst striking where the journey's first halt is located.
Several tents set up for the langar outside the temple were swept away in the swift floodwaters, leaving the entire road affected by the disaster. According to the local legislator, over a thousand devotees were present at the time of the incident.
Amidst the torrential rain and debris, many people became trapped, while vehicles and belongings near the riverbank were also washed away. BJP leader and local legislator Sunil Sharma reported that at least 12 individuals are feared dead, though official confirmation is yet to be made.
Statement from Union Minister Jitendra Singh
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh spoke with Kishtwar's Deputy Commissioner, Pankaj Kumar Sharma, instructing an immediate launch of a rescue operation. He assured that the administration is on high alert and rescue and medical teams have been dispatched to the disaster site.
Related: Similar disaster in Kishtwar fears 12 dead
Former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah noted that this is a vast village nestled within the hills, where a large population resides and where numerous devotees had gathered.
Large-Scale Rescue Operation Underway
According to reports, relief and rescue efforts in the affected area are proving incredibly challenging. A significant portion of the large village's population has been engulfed in water and debris following the cloudburst. The paths leading to the village have also been severely damaged, posing major difficulties for rescue teams to reach the site.
For the past approximately 15 days, districts like Poonch, Rajouri, and Doda have been experiencing persistent heavy rainfall. Consequently, the route to the Machail Mata temple has also been impacted. Given the severity of the situation, the authorities have decided to deploy army's Delta Force units, NDRF, and SDRF for relief and rescue operations. Efforts are underway to provide aid to those trapped as swiftly as possible.
Religious Significance of Machail Mata Temple
It's important to note that Machail Mata Temple is located in the Padar sub-division of Kishtwar district in Jammu and Kashmir. The temple resides amidst snow-capped mountain ranges approximately 9,500 feet above sea level. Here, devotees worship Goddess Chandi (Durga), believed to be present in a powerful entity form.
Related: Cloudburst in Kinnaur sweeps away CPWD camp in Rishi Dogri Valley
The Machail Yatra
Every year in the month of Sawan, thousands of devotees embark on the "Machail Yatra." This pilgrimage is associated with both faith and challenges, similar to the Amarnath Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir. The path involves a trek of approximately 30-35 kilometers either on foot or with the aid of horses, starting from Kishtwar or Gulabgarh to reach the temple.
