Srinagar, Aug. 15 -- Among the dead are at least 13 local residents, including two temple priests. Giant boulders, logs, and tonnes of silt hurtled down the steep slopes, flattening homes, temples, markets, and bridges, and transforming the picturesque mountain village into a wasteland.

For many survivors, the tragedy is deeply personal. Nirmala Devi lost both her father, Bodh Raj, and her uncle, Dinanath-priests at the local temple. "He had asked me to come forward for a tilak on my forehead, but I refused and left before the tragedy struck," she said, breaking down. "I should have had the tilak with his hands at least one last time."

The annual Machail Mata yatra, which began on July 25 and was due to continue until September 5, had d...