• At least 65 people are confirmed dead following floods in Indian-administered Kashmir.
• Over 200 individuals remain missing, with many feared to be buried under debris.
• The incident occurred in Chasoti village during an annual pilgrimage, causing significant disruption.
• Rescue operations are ongoing, with military and disaster teams deployed to the area.

As of Friday, the death toll from the recent flash floods in Indian-administered Kashmir has risen to at least 65, with over 200 individuals still missing, according to reports from officials. The disaster struck Chosoti village in Kishtwar district, a key stop on a popular pilgrimage route, when a sudden cloudburst unleashed intense rains and flooding, devastating the area where many pilgrims had gathered for lunch at a community kitchen, officials stated. Eyewitness accounts describe a chaotic scene, with people swept away by strong floodwaters, according to Reuters and Dawn.

The Kishtwar district, which is prone to such natural disasters during the monsoon season, has been mobilizing substantial resources for rescue operations, including earthmovers and military personnel. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah noted the grim reality of the situation, with reports indicating that 100-200 people might be trapped under rubble from collapsed buildings. "Every effort is being made to locate and assist those in need," Abdullah said, confirming that hundreds were still missing following the tragedy, according to Channel News Asia and Anadolu Agency.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed condolences and emphasized the necessity of close monitoring of rescue efforts, promising comprehensive support for all affected individuals. Reports indicate that the situation may worsen due to the ongoing risk of landslides caused by subsequent heavy rains predicted in the region, highlighted by various news outlets including Los Angeles Times and BBC.

As rescue teams continue their search, local officials are grappling with the immense scale of devastation, citing that numerous buildings, vehicles, and essential structures such as kitchens serving pilgrims have been washed away. This disaster follows closely on the heels of another severe incident earlier in the month in Uttarakhand, indicating a troubling increase in such climate-related occurrences, as discussed by Dawn and Reuters.