4 Dead, 6 Injured in Kathua, J&K as Cloudburst Strikes Amid Heavy Rainfall. Several Homes Buried Under Debris, Rescue Teams Engaged in Relief Operations.
Cloudburst in Kathua: A cloudburst has occurred in the valley region of Kathua district in Jammu and Kashmir amidst heavy rainfall. So far, four deaths and six injuries have been confirmed in this disaster. Many houses have been buried under debris and water, while the Jammu-Pathankot National Highway has also been damaged. Relief and rescue operations are proceeding at a rapid pace, and the administration has appealed to people to stay away from rivers and streams.
Severe Disaster in Kathua
On the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday, a cloudburst incident came to light in Jod Ghati village of Rajbagh area in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir. A state of panic ensued throughout the area after this accident. The village completely lost contact with other areas, and many houses and shops were buried in the debris. Initial reports did not indicate any loss of life, but later, four deaths and six injuries were confirmed.
Damage to Jammu-Pathankot National Highway
The heavy rainfall and cloudburst have also affected the Jammu-Pathankot National Highway. Some sections of the road have been damaged, disrupting traffic. Currently, efforts are underway to restore traffic and repair the road. With thousands of vehicles passing through this route daily, its damage has become a major challenge for travelers and local residents.
Relief and Rescue Operations Expedited
As soon as information about the incident was received, a joint team of police and SDRF was dispatched to the scene. The rescue team is engaged in safely evacuating people trapped inside the village and removing debris. The administration says that the situation is being continuously monitored and efforts are being made to move the affected families to safer places.
Impact on Surrounding Villages as well
Apart from the cloudburst, heavy rains and landslides have occurred in several other areas of Kathua district. Landslides have been reported in Bagard and Changra villages of Kathua police station area, as well as in Dilwan-Hutli area of Lakhanpur police station area. However, no major damage has been confirmed in these areas, but people have been advised to remain alert.
Water Level of Rivers Increased
Due to continuous rains, the water level of most of the water sources in the district has suddenly increased. The Ujh River is flowing close to the danger mark. The administration has appealed to local residents not to go near rivers and streams and to follow government instructions for safety. If the situation worsens further, people living in low-lying areas may be shifted to safer places.
Destruction Had Occurred in Kishtwar Too
Notably, earlier a cloudburst incident had also occurred in Chasoti area of Kishtwar district. In that incident, about 65 people lost their lives and many houses and properties were destroyed. Such recurring incidents have increased concern in Jammu and Kashmir, and people are being advised to be vigilant during the monsoon season.
