Cloudburst in Kathua Claims Four Lives, Disrupts Rail and Road Connectivity

Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir — At least four people lost their lives and several others sustained injuries after a cloudburst struck multiple areas of Kathua district during the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday, amid heavy overnight rainfall, officials confirmed. The sudden deluge has isolated a village, complicating ongoing rescue and relief efforts.

Authorities have launched immediate response measures, with rescue teams deployed to the affected sites.

Chief Minister Extends Condolences, Orders Swift Relief
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed deep grief over the tragedy and extended condolences to the bereaved families. He also prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.

“Chief Minister has expressed grief over the tragic loss of lives and damage caused by landslides in several parts of District Kathua, including Jodh Khad and Juthana. He conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured, and assured all necessary assistance,” read an official statement from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).

The Chief Minister has directed the district administration to ensure immediate relief, rescue, and evacuation measures to safeguard affected communities.

Railway Track and Highway Damaged
Union Minister Jitendra Singh, in a post on X, confirmed that the cloudburst has damaged the railway track and disrupted traffic along the national highway. He also reported that the Kathua Police Station had been affected.

“Spoke to SSP Kathua, Sh. Shobhit Saxena, after receiving information about a cloudburst in the Janglote area. Four casualties reported. In addition, damage has occurred to the railway track and national highway, while Police Station Kathua has been affected,” Singh stated.

He further added that the civilian administration, military, and paramilitary forces have swung into action and are continuously monitoring the situation. Singh extended his condolences to the families of the deceased.

Weather Advisory Issued: Residents Urged to Remain Vigilant
With heavy to very heavy rainfall continuing across the district, the Kathua District Administration has issued a weather advisory urging residents to exercise maximum caution.

Citizens have been advised to stay away from rivers, streams, nullahs, and hilly or landslide-prone areas due to the risk of flash floods and sudden landslides. Officials have warned that water levels could rise rapidly, posing a significant danger to life and property.

The administration has appealed to the public to remain alert, avoid unnecessary travel through vulnerable zones, and follow official safety guidelines.

For assistance, residents may contact the following emergency helplines:

• District Emergency Operation Centre (DEOC): 01922-238796

• Police Control Room (PCR): 9858034100

• Emergency Response Support System (ERSS): 112

The district authorities reiterated their call for vigilance, stressing that public cooperation is vital to ensuring safety during this period of severe weather.