Overview

• A sudden midday cloudburst on August 14 unleashed a flash flood through the Chashoti base camp on the Machail Mata yatra route in Kishtwar
• Authorities report at least 46 fatalities, about 160 injuries and more than 220 pilgrims unaccounted for as search operations continue
• NDRF, SDRF, army and police units have deployed helicopters and ground parties but face severe rain, landslips and washed-out access routes, and local hospitals are operating beyond capacity
• Media outlets and India Today’s OSINT team have used satellite imagery to map the inundated track and aid in locating remote groups of missing devotees
• Experts warn that riverbank development, deforestation and infrastructure projects in Himalayan valleys are heightening the risk of rapid-onset flash floods