By: Tuhin Sarkar

India joins US, China, UK, Denmark, and Türkiye in experiencing catastrophic cloudbursts as deadly Kashmir rainstorm kills over forty and displaces two hundred. This new travel alert is here to reveal the scale of the tragedy and the urgency of the response. The deadly Kashmir rainstorm kills over forty and displaces two hundred, turning a sacred journey into a scene of grief and loss.

The cloudburst struck Kishtwar in Indian Kashmir without warning. It happened in Chasoti town, a stop along the Machail Mata pilgrimage. In minutes, powerful floods swept away pilgrims, a community kitchen, and a security post. India joins US, China, UK, Denmark, and Türkiye in counting the human and structural cost of such disasters. The deadly Kashmir rainstorm kills over forty and displaces two hundred, leaving families searching for loved ones and homes destroyed.

Search and rescue teams are battling harsh mountain terrain to find survivors. Army, Air Force, and local disaster units are all on the ground. India now unites US, China, UK, Denmark, and Türkiye in recognising the need for stronger early-warning systems and safer infrastructure in high-risk zones. Catastrophic cloudbursts can happen fast, and this deadly Kashmir rainstorm kills over forty and displaces two hundred as a stark reminder. This new update is here to show that resilience, preparation, and global awareness are vital when India joins US, China, UK, Denmark, and Türkiye in enduring the force of catastrophic cloudbursts.

Understanding Cloudbursts and Their Dangers

A cloudburst is an extreme form of heavy rain that falls in a very short time over a small area. The Indian Meteorological Department defines it as rainfall of more than 100 millimetres in just one hour. In the mountains, this much rain so quickly can turn a small stream into a raging flood. The sudden force can sweep away roads, bridges, houses, and even entire villages. In cities, it can flood streets, damage buildings, and overwhelm drains. Around the world, cloudbursts have caused loss of life, destroyed homes, and reshaped landscapes in minutes.

Cloudbursts in the Indian Himalayas

India has seen many cloudburst tragedies in recent decades, especially in mountain states. In August 2010, Leh in Ladakh faced a night of horror when sudden rain and debris flows killed over 190 people. Three years later, in June 2013, Uttarakhand suffered catastrophic floods around Kedarnath. Continuous rain, including cloudburst conditions, swept through the pilgrimage route, destroying villages and temples. In July 2022, a cloudburst near the Amarnath cave in Jammu and Kashmir sent a torrent through the base camp, killing and injuring pilgrims.

The Kishtwar region in Jammu and Kashmir has also been hit. In July 2021, Honzar village saw a pre-dawn cloudburst that swept away homes. More recently, in August 2025, cloudbursts in Dharali and Sukhi Top in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, destroyed houses and roads. Himachal Pradesh, too, has faced repeated hits, such as the Manali cloudburst in July 2024 and multiple events in Kullu and Kangra in June 2025. These incidents show how vulnerable Himalayan communities are during the monsoon.

Major Cloudbursts in the Indian Plains and Deserts

Cloudbursts are not limited to high mountains. In Mumbai, Maharashtra, on 26 July 2005, the city received an incredible 944 millimetres of rain in 24 hours. This event paralysed transport, flooded homes, and caused many deaths. In the desert state of Rajasthan, Mount Abu experienced extreme rainfall in July 2017, with over 700 millimetres in a single day in some areas. These events prove that when the weather conditions are right, even lowland and dry regions can face cloudburst-level rain.

Cloudburst Disasters in Pakistan

Pakistan has also seen deadly cloudbursts, both in cities and mountains. Islamabad and Rawalpindi suffered one of the most intense urban events on 23 July 2001, with about 620 millimetres of rain in just 10 hours. The floodwaters overwhelmed Nullah Lai, killing many and damaging large parts of the twin cities. In July 2022, Islamabad faced another morning cloudburst that flooded streets and damaged property. In the mountains of Gilgit-Baltistan, Babusar Top saw a cloudburst in August 2025 that triggered flash floods and damaged the Karakoram Highway, isolating communities and travellers.

Nepal’s Mountain Cloudbursts

Nepal’s steep valleys and unstable slopes make it highly vulnerable. In June 2023, Taplejung district experienced a deadly cloudburst during the early monsoon. It killed more than 40 people and damaged hydropower projects. In June and July 2021, the Melamchi–Helambu area in Bagmati Province was hit by a mix of cloudburst rain and landslide-dam failures. The resulting floods destroyed homes, roads, and bridges. For Nepal, these disasters highlight the need for better early warnings in remote valleys.

Bangladesh and Extreme Rain

Bangladesh, known for its flat plains and rivers, also sees extreme localised rainfall events. In Rangpur on 27 September 2020, the city recorded 433 millimetres of rain in 12 hours. Officials and media described it as a cloudburst. The sudden flooding disrupted transport, damaged homes, and left many residents stranded.

China’s Deadly Cloudburst-linked Landslides

China has faced some of the deadliest rain-triggered disasters linked to cloudbursts. In August 2010, Zhouqu County in Gansu province was hit by intense local rainfall described as a cloudburst. It triggered massive debris flows and landslides that buried large parts of the county. Hundreds lost their lives. The event is remembered as one of China’s worst modern natural disasters.

Historic Cloudbursts in the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom has its own history of intense localised downpours. In August 1952, Lynmouth in Devon was devastated by rain of around 229 millimetres in 24 hours over Exmoor. The resulting flood killed 34 people and destroyed much of the town. In August 2004, Boscastle in Cornwall faced a similar fate. A convective storm dropped huge amounts of rain over a small catchment, sending a flood surge through the village. Both events are studied as classic examples of British cloudbursts.

Copenhagen’s Urban Cloudburst Planning

On 2 July 2011, Copenhagen, Denmark, was drenched by an extreme cloudburst. The rain flooded streets, damaged buildings, and caused huge insurance losses. The disaster spurred the city to create the “Cloudburst Management Plan.” This plan includes redesigned streets, green areas, and underground tunnels to store and drain floodwater. Today, Copenhagen is seen as a leader in urban flood resilience.

Cloudbursts in Turkey’s Mountains and Cities

In July 2017, Istanbul saw a sudden cloudburst that flooded metro stations, underpasses, and ferries. People were stranded, and the city came to a halt. In July 2021, Rize Province on Turkey’s Black Sea coast suffered intense rain and landslides, killing several residents. The steep, forested slopes of this region make it especially prone to flash floods from such storms.

Cloudbursts in the United States

In Ellicott City, Maryland, on 30 July 2016, a surprise cloudburst dropped 6–8 inches of rain in just two hours. The water surged down the narrow Main Street, sweeping away cars and damaging shops. A similar event hit the town again in 2018. These disasters show how even small watersheds can produce massive damage when hit by sudden, intense rain.

Why Cloudbursts Are So Dangerous

Cloudbursts are dangerous because they are sudden and intense. In mountains, they can cause flash floods, landslides, and debris flows that travel at high speed. In cities, they can flood roads and buildings in minutes. The small area affected means that forecasts are difficult, and warnings may come too late. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency of intense rainfall events, making the risk higher for many regions.

Preparing for the Next Cloudburst

Preparedness is key. In high-risk mountain areas, stronger early-warning systems and community drills can save lives. Urban areas need better drainage, flood zones, and emergency response plans. Pilgrimage routes, tourist trails, and mountain roads should have shelters and escape routes. International examples like Copenhagen’s flood plan show how infrastructure can adapt to these threats.

Cloudbursts have struck across the globe—from the Himalayas to the British coast, from desert hills to city streets. They have taken lives, reshaped landscapes, and disrupted economies. Understanding where and how they happen is the first step to reducing their toll. As weather patterns change, the lessons from past disasters must guide future safety plans. Whether in a remote valley or a busy city, the sudden force of a cloudburst is a reminder of nature’s power and the need for constant readiness.

A deadly cloudburst struck Kishtwar in Indian Kashmir, killing at least 46 people and leaving over 200 missing. The disaster hit Chasoti town during the Machail Mata pilgrimage, sweeping away pilgrims and structures in sudden, powerful floods. Search and rescue teams are racing against time in dangerous mountain conditions.

Sudden Disaster During Machail Mata Pilgrimage

On Thursday morning, tragedy struck Chasoti town in Kishtwar district. This small settlement is a key stop for pilgrims trekking to the high-altitude Machail Mata shrine. At 11.30 a.m. local time, heavy rain turned into a deadly cloudburst. The downpour sent torrents of water rushing through the area, sweeping away a community kitchen and a security post set up to serve the pilgrims. A large crowd had gathered for lunch when the water hit, giving little time to react. Witnesses describe the scene as chaotic and terrifying, with people running for higher ground as the flood surged through.

Loss of Life and Missing Persons

Authorities have confirmed at least 46 fatalities so far. More than 200 people remain missing, and the numbers may rise as rescue teams search the disaster zone. Many victims were pilgrims who had travelled long distances from across India to take part in the annual Machail yatra. The shrine, dedicated to Goddess Durga, attracts thousands each year. Sadly, what was meant to be a spiritual journey became a scene of grief. The waters not only took lives but also washed away belongings, food supplies, and vital infrastructure supporting the trek.

Eyewitness Accounts Paint a Grim Picture

Television footage from the site shows frightened pilgrims crying and clinging to each other as muddy water flooded the area. Omar Abdullah, the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, said on social media that the situation was grim. He explained that accurate information was slow to emerge from the remote area. Local residents and volunteers were among the first to help, forming human chains to pull people to safety. Survivors spoke of the deafening roar of water and the shock of seeing friends and family vanish in moments.

Rapid Emergency Response Mobilised

Ramesh Kumar, the divisional commissioner of Kishtwar, confirmed that local police and disaster response teams reached the site quickly. The Indian Army and Air Force were also activated to assist. Helicopters, rescue boats, and specialised mountain rescue teams are now on the ground. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is coordinating efforts with state authorities. Rescue operations are being complicated by the difficult terrain and unstable weather, which is still producing heavy showers. Officials warn that more rain could trigger further landslides and flash floods in the coming days.

Understanding the Cloudburst Phenomenon

According to the Indian Meteorological Department, a cloudburst is an intense rainfall event exceeding 100 mm in just one hour. These events are particularly dangerous in mountainous regions during the monsoon. The sudden volume of water can overwhelm streams and rivers, creating deadly floods. In Kashmir, steep slopes and narrow valleys increase the speed and force of the water, making escape difficult. The Kishtwar disaster comes just a week after a similar flood and mudslide in Uttarakhand, which buried an entire village. Experts are urging more investment in early warning systems for such high-risk areas.

Pilgrimage Route and Its Significance

The Machail Mata yatra is one of the most important religious events in the Jammu region. Pilgrims travel by road to Chasoti, the last motorable point, and then trek to the temple. The route passes through remote and scenic Himalayan landscapes. Temporary kitchens and shelters are set up along the way to feed and rest travellers. This year’s pilgrimage had drawn large numbers due to improved road access and post-pandemic enthusiasm. The cloudburst hit during peak pilgrimage days, multiplying the scale of the disaster.

Weather Warnings and Safety Alerts

The local weather office in Srinagar had predicted intense showers for parts of Kashmir, including Kishtwar, on Thursday. Residents and travellers were advised to avoid loose structures, electric poles, and old trees due to the risk of landslides and flash floods. Despite these warnings, the scale and suddenness of the cloudburst caught people off guard. Meteorologists note that predicting the exact timing and location of a cloudburst remains a challenge. However, they stress the need for real-time monitoring, especially in areas with large gatherings like religious festivals.

Impact on Tourism and Travel Safety

Kashmir’s tourism sector has been growing steadily, with adventure travel and religious tourism playing key roles. However, disasters like the Kishtwar cloudburst highlight the importance of safety planning. Tour operators and pilgrimage organisers are now reviewing emergency protocols. Authorities may introduce stricter controls on the number of people allowed in vulnerable areas at one time. This tragedy could temporarily impact visitor numbers, but officials believe that improved safety measures will help restore confidence among travellers.

Coordinating Relief for Survivors

Relief efforts are underway to provide shelter, food, and medical care to survivors. Local schools and community halls have been turned into temporary shelters. Doctors and nurses are working round the clock to treat injuries, many of which are caused by debris and fast-flowing water. Non-governmental organisations have joined the effort, delivering blankets, clean drinking water, and essential medicines. The state government has announced compensation for the families of the deceased and financial support for those who have lost their livelihoods.

Looking Ahead and Learning Lessons

As the search for the missing continues, questions are being raised about disaster preparedness along popular travel and pilgrimage routes. Experts recommend that routes like the Machail Mata trek have better flood defences, more elevated shelters, and constant communication links with weather stations. The hope is that lessons from this tragedy will lead to improved safety for future travellers. While the people of Kishtwar face a long recovery, their resilience and community spirit remain strong. Pilgrims may one day return to the Machail Mata shrine with greater safety measures in place, ensuring that such a disaster is not repeated.