Srinagar, Aug. 15 -- Tragedy struck Kishtwar on Thursday when a massive cloudburst hit a remote mountain village, leaving 38 people, including two CISF personnel, dead and hundreds injured.

The incident occurred inChasoti village en route to Machail Mata temple between 12 noon and 1 pm when a large number of people had gathered for the Machail Mata Yatra. The shrine is an 8.5 km trek from the village. The cloudburst triggered flash floods and extensive damage. The sudden surge of water swept through parts of the village, destroying property and severing road links to remote areas.

"A massive Cloud burst in the Chositi area, which could result in substantial casualties. Administration has immediately swung into action, therescue team has...