"A dramatic eyewitness video has emerged showing the exact moment a massive cloudburst struck Chositi village in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir—triggering devastating flash floods that swept away a langar site, vehicles, and structures along the Machail Mata Yatra route. At least 44 people, including two CISF jawans, have been confirmed dead, and more than 200 remain missing. Over 50 people are seriously injured and receiving treatment in local hospitals, while rescue teams—including the NDRF, SDRF, police, the Army, paramilitary forces, NGOs such as Ababeel, and local volunteers—are working around the clock to find survivors and provide relief. More than 200 people have already been evacuated, but around 50 remain unaccounted for. Authorities have set up a control room in Paddar to coordinate operations. The Machail Mata Yatra pilgrimage, underway since late July, has been suspended for safety. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed condolences, assured every possible assistance, and said the situation is being constantly monitored, while Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has canceled Independence Day cultural programs and the traditional ‘At Home’ tea party in tribute to the victims. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department has issued warnings of further heavy rainfall in the region, raising concerns about worsening conditions. The disaster’s impact has also spread beyond Kishtwar, with flash floods reported in Pahalgam’s Frislan and Batkoot areas, damaging roads and infrastructure, highlighting the wider scale of the tragedy."