Jammu: At least seven people were killed and five others injured in two separate incidents of cloudburst and landslide in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir early Sunday, officials said.
The calamities struck Jodh Ghati village in Rajbagh and the Janglote area amid heavy overnight rainfall. District Development Commissioner Rajesh Sharma, along with senior civil and police officers, rushed to the affected areas to oversee rescue and relief operations.
Officials reported that five people died in Jodh Ghati due to the cloudburst, which also cut off access to the village and damaged several houses. Two others lost their lives in a landslide triggered by heavy rains in Janglote. Five injured individuals from Jodh Ghati were evacuated to hospitals as police, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local volunteers continued joint rescue efforts.
Landslides were also reported in Bagard and Changda villages under Kathua police station and in Dilwan-Hutli under Lakhanpur police station, though no significant damage was reported in these areas.
Heavy rainfall has caused water levels in most rivers and streams to rise sharply, with the Ujh river nearing the danger mark. The district administration has urged residents to stay away from water bodies for their safety.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed grief over the loss of lives and directed authorities to prioritize relief, rescue, and evacuation operations. The Chief Minister conveyed condolences to the bereaved families, wished speedy recovery for the injured, and assured all necessary support.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh confirmed that the civilian administration, along with military and paramilitary forces, has mobilized for rescue and relief operations. “Spoke to SSP Kathua Sh. Shobhit Saxena after receiving information about a cloudburst in the Janglote area,” Singh tweeted.
