Kathua cloudburst: J&K CM expresses grief over loss of lives, directs immediate relief measures

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday (August 17, 2025) directed the administration to carry out relief, rescue and evacuation measures to ensure safety of people in cloudburst and landslide-hit Kathua district.

Four persons were killed and six others rescued when a cloudburst struck Jodh Ghati village of Rajbagh during the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday, also snapping access to the village and causing some damage to land and property.

So far, bodies of four persons have been recovered while six others were rescued in an injured condition and are being shifted to hospital, the officials said.

They said landslide also hit Bagard and Changda villages under the jurisdiction of Kathua police station and Dilwan-Hutli in Lakhanpur police station area but there was no major report of damage.

The heavy rains have led to sharp increase in the level in most of the water bodies with the Ujh river flowing near the danger mark, the officials said.

The district administration is closely watching the situation and have requested people to stay away from water bodies for their safety, the officials said.

Rescue operation

“Chief Minister has expressed grief over the tragic loss of lives and damage caused by landslides in several parts of Kathua, including Jodh Khad and Juthana, which claimed four lives and left many injured.

“He conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured, and assured all necessary assistance,” the Office of the Chief Minister said on X.

It said the Chief Minister has directed the administration to carry out immediate relief, rescue and evacuation measures to ensure the safety and support of affected families.

 Union Minister Jitendra Singh said the civilian administration, military and paramilitary forces have swung into action to carry out rescue and relief operations in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district where four persons have died in a cloudburst.

“Spoke to SSP Kathua Sh. Shobhit Saxena after receiving information about a cloudburst in the Janglote area,” Singh wrote on X.

He further said, “Four casualties have been reported. In addition, damage has occurred to the railway track, National Highway, while Police Station Kathua has also been affected.” The civilian administration, military and paramilitary forces have swung into action, he said, adding the situation is being continuously monitored.