Sudden heavy rainfall in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir has killed at least 33 people and left many missing, officials said Thursday.

The downpour triggered flash floods near the Machail Mata Shrine, a popular Hindu pilgrimage site in the remote Kishtwar district. Thousands visit the shrine annually.

Omar Abdullah, the region’s former chief minister, wrote on X that “the news is grim and accurate, verified information from the area hit by the cloudburst is slow in arriving.”

Reuters reported that another Indian official said the floods “washed away” an unconfirmed number of pilgrims at a community kitchen near the shrine.

The Indian army and air force have launched search and rescue operations, according to Indian media. Authorities have yet to confirm the total number of missing.

After India and Pakistan declared independence from British rule in 1947, the two nations fought over the Kashmir region. 

The Muslim-majority territory was ruled by a Hindu prince, who chose to join India. Both countries control parts of the disputed region, which has remained a flashpoint for conflict.