SRINAGAR: At least four people were killed and six others injured after a cloudburst struck Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir during the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday, triggering flash floods that caused widespread damage to infrastructure and homes.
Officials said the cloudburst hit Jod Ghati village of Rajbagh, with floodwaters sweeping through Ghati, Janglote and adjoining areas. Several houses were buried under debris while parts of the Jammu–Pathankot National Highway (NH44) were inundated, disrupting traffic. A railway track in the district was also damaged, and the Kathua Police Station was left submerged under water.
Heavy rains also swelled the Sahar Khad and Ujh rivers, with authorities warning that the Ujh was flowing dangerously close to the red mark.
The Kathua district administration issued a weather advisory urging people to stay away from rivers, streams, and landslide-prone areas. “Heavy to very heavy rainfall has been reported across the district. The public is strongly advised to avoid going near rivers, streams, nahallas and other water bodies, besides avoiding hilly and landslide-prone areas,” the District Information Centre said in a post on X. Two emergency helpline numbers—01922-238796 and 9858034100—were also made public.
Rescue and relief operations were launched immediately, though officials said access to some affected areas remained difficult due to flooding.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed grief over the loss of lives and the large-scale damage. According to a post on X by Office of Chief Minister Minister, it reads, “The 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 for the speedy recovery of the injured, and assured all necessary assistance,” an official statement said.
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
He has directed the administration to carry out immediate relief, rescue and evacuation measures.
Meanwhile, union Minister Jitendra Singh also confirmed the casualties and damage in a post on X.
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
“Spoken to SSP Kathua Shobhit Saxena after receiving information about a cloud burst in the Janglote area. Four 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 is being continuously monitored. My sincere condolences to the families of the deceased,” Singh wrote.
The tragedy comes just days after a similar incident in Kishtwar district claimed over 60 lives, underlining the increasing frequency of extreme weather events in Jammu and Kashmir’s hilly districts.
