At least seven people were killed and several others injured after heavy rainfall triggered a cloudburst and a landslide in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district, officials confirmed on Sunday. Five people died in flash floods caused by the cloudburst in Jodh Ghati, while two others lost their lives when a landslide struck Janglote during the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah extended his condolences and called for urgent relief and rescue operations. “The Chief Minister has expressed grief over the tragic loss of lives and the damage caused by landslides in several parts of Kathua, including Jodh Khad and Juthana, which claimed four lives and left many injured,” his office stated on X.
He further assured the people affected, “He conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured, and assured all necessary assistance.”
The extreme weather conditions have also caused widespread damage to infrastructure. According to Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, who represents Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur constituency in Parliament, a section of the railway track, National Highway-44, and a police station were among the affected.
Taking to X, Dr Singh stated, “The civilian administration, military and paramilitary have swung into action. The situation is being continuously monitored.” He also expressed his sympathies, adding,“My sincere condolences to the families of the deceased.”
The Indian Army has been deployed to assist with rescue efforts. The Rising Star Corps stated, “Indian Army columns on the ground in Kathua, rescuing families, giving hope, food and care after the cloudburst.” Personnel are working to evacuate affected residents and provide medical assistance and supplies.
The Kathua District Administration has issued an emergency weather advisory, warning of “heavy to very heavy rainfall” continuing across the region. The advisory cautioned residents, saying, “The public is strongly advised to avoid going near rivers, streams, nallahs, and other water bodies, as well as hilly or landslide-prone areas. Due to heavy rainfall, water levels can rise rapidly, increasing the risk of flash floods and landslides.” The administration has released helpline numbers for emergencies: 01922-238796 and 9858034100.
Officials also noted that the Ujh River is flowing dangerously close to the alert level, further elevating the threat of flooding.
This latest incident follows a devastating cloudburst earlier in the week in Kishtwar, where over 50 people died and more than 100 were injured during the Machail Mata Yatra. The pilgrimage was taking place in Chisoti, approximately 90 kilometres from Kishtwar town, when flash floods swept through the area on 14 August.
At least 82 individuals remain missing, as rescue teams continue to search for survivors. The annual yatra, which began on 25 July and was scheduled to conclude on 5 September, involves an 8.5-kilometre trek to the sacred Machail Mata shrine, situated at an altitude of 9,500 feet.
