A massive cloudburst struck the Paddar area of Kishtwar district in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, causing widespread destruction along the Machail Mata Yatra route. Initial reports indicate that 12 to 15 people are feared dead, while many others have sustained injuries. Official figures are yet to be confirmed.

The district administration has swung into action, ensuring that medical facilities, including doctors and medicines, are available at designated medical booths along the yatra route. The cloudburst reportedly washed away a large langar set up for pilgrims and caused significant damage to several houses in the region.

Authorities are carrying out rescue and relief operations, but the scale of destruction has raised concerns about casualties and infrastructure damage in the remote area. The Machail Mata Yatra, a historic pilgrimage attracting thousands of devotees, has been severely impacted by the incident.