At least seven people lost their lives and five others were injured following back-to-back incidents of cloudburst and landslides in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district during the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday. The disaster comes just days after a similar calamity in Kishtwar claimed over 60 lives.
Officials confirmed that five people died in the Jodh Ghati area due to a cloudburst that triggered flash floods, inundating several houses and cutting off access to the village. Two others were killed in a rain-induced landslide in the Janglote area. Multiple homes were buried under debris and floodwaters, and damage was also reported along the Jammu–Pathankot National Highway.
Rescue teams, including joint units from the police and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), have been deployed, and operations are underway to locate any missing persons. Additional landslides were reported in the Bagard, Changda, and Dilwan-Hutli areas, although no major damage has been confirmed there so far.
Rising water levels in local rivers, especially the Ujh river which is nearing danger levels, have raised further concerns. Authorities have urged residents to stay away from water bodies and remain alert.
The district administration is actively monitoring the situation. Meanwhile, condolences and assurances of support have poured in from political leaders.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and said he is in constant contact with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. “I have directed senior civil and police officials to ensure timely rescue and medical aid in the affected areas,” Sinha wrote on X.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also extended condolences and assured full assistance to the affected families. “The Chief Minister has expressed grief over the tragic loss of lives and conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families,” a statement from the CMO read.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in a post on X, stated that NDRF teams have been rushed to the spot and the Centre is closely monitoring the relief efforts. “We stand firmly behind our sisters and brothers of J&K,” he wrote.
In the neighboring Kishtwar region, which was struck earlier this week, hundreds remain missing after flash floods swept through the Machail Mata Yatra route. Over 160 people have been rescued, with at least 38 in serious condition. Many are feared trapped under the debris as efforts continue to reach affected pilgrims and residents.
