Search and rescue operation is going on, after Cloudburst, caused flash flood and landslide in Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday. At least 7 killed among them 5 children aged between 2 and 15 — killed.
Kathua district witnessed widespread devastation early Sunday after suspected cloudbursts and landslides struck multiple areas, leaving seven people dead and several others injured.
The first incident was reported from Juthana Jodh, where a family was feared buried following a landslide. Around the same time, suspected cloudbursts hit Jodh Ghati, a remote village in Rajbagh area, and two other nearby locations, cutting off road access due to flash floods.
Initially, four deaths confirmed in Jodh Ghati. “During rescue operations, we recovered three more bodies — one in Jodh Ghati and two in Janglote. The death toll has gone up to seven now,” district police chief Shobhit Saxena said.
Union minister Jitendra Singh, who represents the area in the Lok Sabha, confirmed that six injured victims airlifted to Mamoon in Pathankot, Punjab, for treatment.
Victims Identified
District officials identified the deceased as Renu Devi, 39, and her daughter Radhika, 9, from Bagra in Janglote. In Jodh Ghati, the victims included Surmu Din, 30, his sons Fanu, 6, and Shedu, 5, along with Tahu, 2, and Zulfan, 15.
Inspector Ajay Singh from Rajbagh police station said the incidents occurred between 3:30 am and 4 am. “Advance parties have reached the affected areas,” he added.
Kathua Cloudburst Flash Floods and Damage
Heavy rainfall over the past few days had caused water levels in the Sahar Khad and Ujh rivers to rise sharply. Early Sunday, flash floods from the Ujh river inundated parts of Kathua, entering the industrial area, a Kendriya Vidyalaya campus, and even the local police station. Railway tracks and roads were also impacted, while the Kathua police station was left waterlogged.
Landslides also reported in Bagard, Changda, and Dilwan-Hutli under Lakhanpur police station limits, though no major damage recorded in those areas.
Leaders Express Condolences
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the bereaved families.