The death toll from the massive cloudburst in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district rose to 60 on Friday, August 15, as rescue operations continued for the second consecutive day, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah confirmed.
Hundreds remain missing after flash floods struck the Machail Mata Yatra route leading to the Himalayan shrine of Mata Chandi. Many are feared buried under debris caused by the sudden deluge.
So far, 167 people have been rescued, many injured, with 38 reported in serious condition. The floods devastated a makeshift market, a langar (community kitchen) site for the yatra, and a security outpost, and numerous others are still believed to be trapped in the aftermath.
