Srinagar, Aug 14 (V7N) – At least 46 people have been killed and more than 200 remain missing after sudden heavy rains and flash floods struck Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district. Authorities warn the death toll is likely to rise as rescue operations continue.

Local officials confirmed the figures on Thursday, with multiple Indian media outlets, including NDTV, reporting the tragedy. The disaster was triggered by a sudden cloudburst in Chashoti village, which saw over 100 millimeters of rainfall within an hour, causing severe flooding in the area.

The flash floods struck as pilgrims were traveling to the Machail Mata temple, with many reportedly swept away by the fast-moving waters.

Rescue efforts are underway involving the district administration, police, Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and State Disaster Response Force. Teams are working in difficult conditions to locate survivors and recover bodies from debris-filled floodwaters.

Authorities say the scale of the disaster and the number of missing persons make this one of the deadliest weather-related incidents in the region in recent years.

END/SMA/AJ