Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: A fresh cloudburst has claimed seven lives and left several others injured in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir. The tragedy struck Jodh Ghati and Janglote areas late Saturday night amid heavy rainfall.
Two Separate Incidents Reported
Officials said five people died in Jodh Ghati village due to the cloudburst, while two more lost their lives in a rain-triggered landslide in Janglote. A joint team of police and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) rushed to the spot for rescue operations. So far, four bodies have been recovered and six injured persons rescued. They have been shifted to nearby hospitals.
Rising Water Levels and Damage
The heavy downpour caused a sharp rise in water levels of local rivers and streams, with the Ujh river flowing close to the danger mark. Landslides were also reported in Bagard, Changda, and Dilwan-Hutli areas, though no major damages were noted. Railway tracks, the National Highway, and Kathua police station premises were impacted.
Leaders Express Condolences
Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with the J&K Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister, assuring full support from the central government. He confirmed that local administration, police, and NDRF teams are engaged in relief and rescue. Union Minister Jitendra Singh reported damage to infrastructure and extended condolences to the bereaved families.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also expressed grief, offering prayers for the victims and assuring all possible assistance to affected families. The LG’s office described the tragedy as “mind-numbing” and highlighted coordinated rescue work by the Army, police, NDRF, SDRF, and civil authorities.
Public Advisory
Authorities have urged residents to stay away from rivers and water bodies to ensure safety as heavy rains persist.
Context
The Kathua disaster comes just days after a devastating cloudburst in Kishtwar’s Chisoti village on August 14, which killed at least 60 people and injured over 100. Relief operations are still underway there in treacherous terrain with help from the Army, NDRF, SDRF, BRO, and local volunteers.
