At least seven people lost their lives in two separate rain-triggered incidents in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials confirmed on Sunday. Five people died in Jodh Ghati after a cloudburst caused massive flooding, while two others were killed in a landslide at Janglote.
Train Services Disrupted
Heavy rainfall and flash floods also disrupted railway operations. Uchit Singhal, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager of Jammu Division, said water rose above the danger level at Bridge-43 between Kathua and Budhi. Train movement on the up line was suspended, and authorities diverted services to a temporary single line. Several passenger trains were either cancelled or short-terminated.
Government Steps In
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the Centre was “closely monitoring” the situation. In a post on X, he assured full support, noting that NDRF teams had joined local administration in rescue work. “We stand firmly behind our sisters and brothers of J&K,” Shah wrote.
Local Administration on Alert
Jammu Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar reported that helicopters were used to rescue stranded people after heavy rains cut off road connectivity. “Seven people have died due to the landslide. Rescue operations are ongoing,” he said.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed deep anguish, calling the tragedy “mind-numbing.” He briefed the Home Minister about operations carried out by the Army, NDRF, SDRF, police, and local administration.
Property Damage and Relief Measures
The cloudburst damaged a railway track, parts of the national highway, and even a police station in Kathua. Several connecting roads were washed away, leaving six people trapped in Jodh village.
Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed grief, offered condolences, and prayed for the injured. Current Chief Minister announced ex-gratia relief:
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₹2 lakh for each deceased
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₹1 lakh for the severely injured
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₹50,000 for minor injuries
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₹1 lakh for fully damaged houses
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₹50,000 for severely damaged houses
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₹25,000 for partially damaged houses
Human and Infrastructural Loss
Authorities described the situation as severe, highlighting the dual toll on both human lives and physical infrastructure. Families in Jodh Ghati and nearby villages have been left homeless after water washed away houses and agricultural land. Roads connecting several hamlets remain submerged or destroyed, making relief distribution difficult. Essential services such as power supply and drinking water have also been disrupted in the affected pockets. Railway traffic has suffered major setbacks, while sections of the national highway witnessed blockages due to mudslides and debris. Police stations and government offices in low-lying areas reported water damage, further hampering coordination. Rescue teams are working tirelessly, with boats, helicopters, and heavy machinery deployed to clear routes and evacuate stranded residents. Officials stressed that restoring connectivity, preventing secondary disasters like disease outbreaks, and providing temporary shelters are top priorities as the region grapples with the aftermath of the cloudburst and landslide.
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