Flash floods have killed at least 46 people in Chositi village, Kishtwar district, on a busy Himalayas pilgrimage route in Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
Dozens of pilgrims were evacuated, but around 50 people are feared missing as a rescue operation continues.
Flash floods leave dozens missing as rescues race in Kishtwar
Videos from the area showed roaring waters tearing through streets, vehicles swept away, and rescuers searching collapsed homes.
Survivors, many caked in mud, called for help as teams moved debris by hand and cleared access roads for machinery.
Authorities said more pilgrims and residents were moved to safety overnight.
The region’s Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, called the disaster a “tragedy”.
In addition, information from remote valleys was “slow in arriving,” but all available resources were being mobilised to support search and relief.
Heavy rains have pounded northern India in recent days, triggering flash floods in several states.
Last week, nearly half of the village of Dharali in Uttarakhand was submerged after a massive surge.
Officials there said 66 people remain missing, with only one body recovered so far.
Kishtwar’s terrain steep slopes, narrow valleys, and fast rivers raises the risk of sudden flooding and landslides, especially during pilgrimage season when footpaths and roads are crowded.
Rescue officials warned of unstable ground and urged people to avoid riverbanks and damaged structures.
For now, the focus is on finding the missing and stabilising hard-hit hamlets along the route.
As waters recede, engineers will assess bridge safety and hillside stability before allowing wider movement.
The human toll is already heavy; the priority is to prevent further loss and reunite families in the flood struck valleys.
