J&K Kathua Cloudburst News: Days after a massive cloudburst hit a remote village in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district, claiming about 65 lives, another cloudburst struck a remote village in J&K’s Kathua district during the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday, leaving at least seven people dead and six injured.
Officials said that the cloudburst in Kathua hit Jod Ghati village of Rajbagh, snapping access to the area and causing damage to land and property.
A joint team of police and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) reached the site and joined local volunteers for rescue efforts in the early hours of Sunday.
Speaking to news agency PTI, Jammu Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar said, “There was heavy rainfall in Kathua since last night, because of which flash floods occurred. Seven people have died due to the landslide. The SDRF, Army, J&K Police, and civil administration are conducting rescue operations… Those who died due to the landslide, their bodies have been retrieved.”
People being rescued in injured condition are being shifted to hospital for treatment.
VIDEO | Kathua: At least 4 dead and 6 injured after a cloudburst struck Jod Ghati village in Rajbagh during the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday.
(Source: Third Party)
(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/zBCZb3LUtt
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 17, 2025
J&K CM expresses grief, directs measures for safety
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed grief over the loss of lives and the damage caused by the cloudburst.
“He conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured, and assured all necessary assistance, the office of the Chief Minister stated on X.
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, which claimed 4 lives and left many injured. He conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, prayed…
— Office of Chief Minister, J&K (@CM_JnK) August 17, 2025
It also said the Chief Minister has directed the administration to carry out immediate relief, rescue and evacuation measures to ensure the affected families are safe and receive the required support.
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Meanwhile, calling the tragedy “mind-numbing,” Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed his anguish at the loss of lives in the landslides that hit several parts of Kathua.
The L-G wrote on X, “Deeply anguished by the loss of lives in the devastating rain-triggered landslides in several areas of Kathua. The tragedy is mind-numbing. Briefed Hon’ble Union Home Minister Sh. Amit Shah Ji on rescue and relief operations by the army, NDRF, SDRF, police & administration.”
Deeply anguished by the loss of lives in the devastating rain-triggered landslides in several areas of Kathua. The tragedy is mind-numbing. Briefed Hon’ble Union Home Minister Sh. Amit Shah Ji on rescue and relief operations by the army, NDRF, SDRF, police & administration.
— Office of LG J&K (@OfficeOfLGJandK) August 17, 2025
“I have directed the Senior Civil & Police Officials to coordinate and execute rescue and aid efforts in the affected areas and ensure on-site medical assistance. My thoughts are with bereaved families and praying for the swift recovery of those injured,” he added in his post.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who spoke to the CM and the L-G, assured all kinds of support from the Centre.
Taking to X, Shah wrote: “Spoke with the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir regarding the cloudburst in Kathua. Relief and rescue operations are being carried out by the local administration and NDRF teams have also been rushed to the site. Assured every support from the Modi government. We stand firmly behind our sisters and brothers of J&K.”
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Union Minister of State Dr Jitendra Singh, meanwhile, took stock of the situation in Kathua, as he spoke to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kathua, Sh. Shobhit Saxena. He also expressed his condolences to the families of those deceased.
Kathua: Debris and mud accumulated in a residential area following a cloudburst, in Kathua, Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025. (PTI Photo)
Taking to X, Singh wrote, “Spoken to SSP Kathua Sh Shobhit Saxena after receiving information about a cloud burst in the Janglote area. 4 Casualties reported. In addition, damage has occurred to Railway track, National Highway while Police Station Kathua has been affected. The civilian Administration, Military and Paramilitary has swung into action. The situation being continuously monitored. My sincere condolences to the families of the deceased.”
Spoken to SSP Kathua Sh Shobhit Saxena after receiving information about a cloud burst in the Janglote area.
4 Casualties reported. In addition, damage has occurred to Railway track, National Highway while Police Station Kathua has been affected.
The civilian Administration,…
— Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) August 17, 2025
Landslides, rise in water levels
The officials also told PTI that landslides also hit Bagard and Changda villages under the jurisdiction of Kathua police station and Dilwan-Hutli in Lakhanpur police station area, however, there was no major report of any damages.
Heavy rains have led to sharp increase in the levels of most water bodies, with the Ujh river flowing near the danger mark, the officials informed.
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The district administration is closely watching the situation and have requested people to stay away from water bodies for their safety, PTI highlighted quoting the officials.
The flash floods in Kishtwar came at a time of the ongoing Mata Machail yatra on Thursday, and is believed to have swept away several pilgrims and damaged several homes so far, with over 70 people still believed to be missing, according to an Indian Express report.
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