7 killed as cloudbursts hit two villages in J&K’s Kathua

Early on Sunday, following torrential rain that had already led to local streams overflowing, cloudbursts hit Jodh Ghati village in Rajbagh and Bagra village of Janglote — both in Kathua.

Three members of a family — 32-year-old Surmu Din and his two sons, Fanu (6) and Shedu (5), were killed at Jodh Ghati. Two others, Zulfoon (15) and Tashu (2), were also killed in the village.

At Bagra, Renu Devi (39) and her nine-year-old daughter Radhika were killed.

According to local residents, after the cloudbursts, floodwater came down to the plains of Rajbagh and Kathua towns, submerging roads, lanes and bylanes. Several houses were also flooded, causing damage to buildings, belongings, and vehicles. Even the Raj Bagh police station saw knee-deep water.

The water receded a few hours later.

The Dyalchak–Billawar and Lakhanpur–Basohli roads were closed for vehicular traffic after they got damaged due to landslides at various places, the Kathua Police Control Room said.

Rail traffic between Kathua and Jammu was also disrupted after railway authorities halted Jammu-bound trains either at Jalandhar or Pathankote in view of floodwaters flowing over the railway tracks in the Kathua area. Later, rail traffic was restored, but the trains were running late by three to four hours, officials said.

Meanwhile, Army columns and teams of J&K Police moved in and launched rescue operations. Deputy Inspector General of Police for Jammu, Samba, and Kathua range was himself camping at Rajbagh, supervising the rescue operations, officials said.

“Indian Army columns on the ground in Kathua — rescuing families, giving hope, food and care after the cloudburst,” the Rising Star Corps of the Army said in a post on X.

Heavy rain has led to a sharp increase in the levels of most water bodies, with the Ujh river flowing near the danger mark, officials said, adding that the district administration is closely watching the situation and that people were asked to stay away from water bodies for their safety.

Police have also asked people in Kathua, especially those living in hilly areas, to stay at home and not go near bodies of water, warning of the possibility of flash floods owing to the heavy rain.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said he spoke to Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and assured all support from the central government.

“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 (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi government. We stand firmly behind our sisters and brothers of J&K,” Shah wrote on X.

L-G Sinha, Chief Minister Abdullah, and Union minister Dr Jitendra Singh expressed grief over the loss of lives.

“I have directed senior civil and 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,” the Lt Governor said in a post on X.

The Chief Minister announced financial assistance to the families of the deceased from the CM’s Relief Fund.

In a post shared on X by the office of the Chief Minister, Abdullah said the assistance is aimed at providing immediate relief and supporting the affected families in rebuilding their lives.

“The Chief Minister, expressing deep concern for the lives and property affected by the recent cloudburst in Kathua, has announced ex gratia assistance from the CM’s Relief Fund, in addition to SDRF support,” the post read.

It said Rs 2 lakh would be given to the families of each of the deceased, Rs 1 lakh to those severely injured, and Rs 50,000 to those who suffered minor injuries.

The Chief Minister also sanctioned Rs 1 lakh for fully damaged houses, Rs 50,000 for severely damaged houses, and Rs 25,000 for partially damaged houses.

Abdullah also conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured, and assured all necessary assistance.

Union minister Singh said the civilian administration, military and paramilitary forces have swung into action to carry out rescue and relief operations.

Meanwhile, the weather office has forecast light to moderate rain and thunder showers at several places in Jammu division, intense showers or heavy rain in Jammu, Reasi, Udhampur, Rajouri, Poonch, Samba and Kathua, and moderate to intense showers at Doda, Kishtwar, and Ramban until August 19.