A devastating cloudburst in the Jod Ghati area of Kathua district claimed at least seven lives on Sunday morning, leaving a trail of destruction across the region, reported The Indian Express. The incident triggered flash floods and landslides that washed away houses, damaged roads, disrupted train services, and forced emergency relief operations by the Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local administration.
Tragedy Strikes Jod Ghati and Janglote
According to Kathua Deputy Commissioner Rakesh Minhas, five people were killed in Jod Ghati village, while two more fatalities were reported from Janglote. Six others sustained injuries and were rushed to Government Medical College Hospital, Kathua, for treatment. Rescue operations are underway to search for those feared missing as water levels in the local nallahs rose dangerously after the cloudburst.
The cloudburst occurred in the early hours when most residents were asleep, catching them off guard. Sudden torrents of water gushed through residential areas, sweeping away temporary shelters and livestock. Witnesses described the scene as “apocalyptic,” with people running for safety as gushing waters entered their homes.
Roads, Railways, and Power Supply Disrupted
The impact of the cloudburst was not limited to Kathua’s villages. Landslides triggered by the heavy downpour blocked several stretches of the Jammu–Pathankot National Highway, stranding hundreds of vehicles for hours. Rail services on the Jammu–Katra and Jammu–Pathankot routes were also affected, with trains halted as a precautionary measure due to flooding on tracks.
Power supply lines and water pipelines in several areas of Kathua district were damaged. Authorities have dispatched technical teams to restore basic services, though continuous rainfall is hampering efforts. Local residents are being advised to remain indoors and avoid venturing near rivers and streams.
Army and NDRF Step In
The Indian Army and NDRF teams were deployed immediately to assist civil authorities in rescue and relief work. Soldiers helped evacuate families stranded in low-lying areas and used boats to reach submerged houses. Relief camps have been set up in safer locations to accommodate those displaced by the disaster.
“Rescue operations are in full swing. Priority is being given to saving lives and providing medical aid to the injured,” said an NDRF spokesperson. State disaster response teams are also monitoring vulnerable areas downstream to prevent further tragedies in case of more rainfall.
Chief Minister Announces Ex-Gratia
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ravinder Raina expressed grief over the loss of lives and announced an ex-gratia of ₹5 lakh each for the families of the deceased. He also directed officials to ensure free medical treatment for the injured and immediate relief to those whose houses and properties were damaged.
“The government stands firmly with the affected families. Relief and rehabilitation will be provided on priority,” the Chief Minister said in an official statement.
A Grim Reminder of Rising Cloudburst Incidents
This tragedy once again highlights the growing frequency of cloudburst events in Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, often linked by experts to climate change and changing rainfall patterns. Cloudbursts, which occur when a large amount of rainfall is concentrated over a small area in a short time, often result in flash floods and landslides in hilly regions.
In the last few years, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed several cloudburst-related disasters, including the Amarnath Yatra tragedy in 2022. Experts warn that urbanization, deforestation, and fragile Himalayan geology are making the region increasingly vulnerable.
Relief and Rehabilitation Efforts Continue
As rescue teams continue their search, the immediate priority is restoring connectivity, clearing blocked highways, and ensuring food and medical supplies reach the affected villages. Authorities have issued advisories urging residents in hilly terrains and near riverbanks to remain vigilant.
For the grieving families in Kathua, however, the tragedy has already left an indelible scar. Survivors recall how, within minutes, life turned upside down as water swept through their homes and livelihoods. The full scale of destruction will only be known in the coming days, but for now, Kathua mourns the loss of seven precious lives.
Photo Source: Indian Express
For more stories click here
Follow us for latest updates:
