At least 15 people have died and more than 50 others have been injured after a massive cloudburst struck Kishtwar in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday. The disaster hit along the route of the Machail Mata Yatra to the Himalayan shrine of Mata Chandi, leaving the pilgrimage trail in chaos.

A Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel who was on duty for the yatra was among the dead. Three other CISF jawans are missing.

Rescue teams rushed to the scene immedaitely, with large-scale operations now underway to search for survivors and evacuate those trapped.

Videos from the site show pilgrims being hurriedly evacuated from the starting point of the yatra.

Another clip captures a raging flash flood triggered by the cloudburst, with authorities shouting for people to move back to safety.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh said the incident in Chositi, near the shrine, “could result in substantial casualties.” He said he spoke to Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Sharma after receiving an urgent alert from LoP Jammu and Kashmir and local MLA Sunil Kumar Sharma.

“The administration has immediately swung into action, and the rescue team has left for the site. Damage evacuation and necessary rescue and medical management arrangements are being made.” he said.

Deputy Commissioner of Kishtwar, Pankaj Sharma, confirmed that rescue operations have been launched in the affected area.

Jammu and Kashmir Governor Manoj Sinha said he was anguished by the cloudburst and added, "Condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the quick recovery of the injured." He further directed Civil, Police, Army, NDRF, and SDRF officials to strengthen the rescue and relief operations and ensure all possible assistance is provided to those affected.

Source: India Today