SRINAGAR (Aug 17): At least seven people were killed after a cloudburst triggered flash floods and landslides in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district late Saturday night, officials confirmed on Sunday. Rescue and relief efforts are underway in both Kathua and Kishtwar, where torrential rains have caused widespread damage and disruption.
Jammu Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar said connectivity in several areas was cut off due to heavy rainfall and landslides. “Seven people have died due to the landslide. Rescue operations are ongoing. Some people are being airlifted as connectivity has been cut off. The bodies of those killed have been retrieved,” he said.
In Kishtwar, officials are working to restore essential services. Kumar added that the Army is building a temporary bridge while rope breakers and blasting equipment are being used to clear massive boulders. Power and water supply have been restored, and passengers stranded in Machail have been safely evacuated.
Inspector General of Police, Jammu Zone, Bhim Sen Tuti, said heavy machinery and explosives were being used to remove large boulders. “Bodies have been recovered from beneath them, and the operation is progressing smoothly,” he noted.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the Centre is closely monitoring the situation. “Spoke with the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir regarding the cloudburst in Kathua. NDRF teams have been rushed to the site. Assured every support from the Modi government,” he posted on X.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed deep grief, calling the tragedy “mind-numbing.” He confirmed that the Army, NDRF, SDRF, police, and administration were jointly carrying out rescue operations.
The cloudburst damaged a railway track, sections of the national highway, and the local police station in Kathua. In Jodh village, six people were trapped and several roads washed away, according to Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Sharma.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh also confirmed four casualties in Janglote area initially and said damage had occurred to the railway track and police station.
The Indian Army, supported by NDRF, SDRF, BRO, police, and local authorities, is leading ground operations in the disaster-hit areas.