Srinagar, Aug. 28 -- Jammu and Kashmir, cradled by the majestic Himalayas, has long captivated hearts with its natural splendour and spiritual sanctity. Yet, on August 14, 2025, this serenity was thrust into chaos when a catastrophic cloudburst ravaged Chasoti village in Kishtwar district, unleashing a torrent of destruction along the revered Machail Mata shrine route. This tragedy, compounded by relentless rains and swollen rivers across the Union Territory, is a stark reminder of nature's unpredictable fury-and our unpreparedness to face it.

In mere minutes, the cloudburst transformed Chasoti from a tranquil hamlet into a scene of devastation. Torrents of water, mud, and debris obliterated homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods, leavin...