Another cloudburst batters J&K, leaves 4 dead in Kathua

At least four people were killed and six injured after a cloudburst struck Jod Ghati village in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district late August 16 night, marking the second such disaster to hit the Union Territory in less than a week.

Officials said the sudden downpour, which triggered flash floods and snapped access to the remote area, also damaged property and agricultural land. A joint team of police and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) rushed to the spot in the early hours of August 17 and joined local volunteers in search-and-rescue operations.

By morning, four bodies had been recovered while the injured were shifted to hospital.

The tragedy comes just days after a devastating cloudburst in Kishtwar’s Paddar area claimed nearly 65 lives and left scores missing, underlining the region’s growing vulnerability to extreme weather.

Leaders express grief, relief efforts intensified

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed “deep sorrow” over the loss of lives in Kathua and assured that all necessary support would reach the affected families. His office said the administration has been directed to launch immediate relief, evacuation and rehabilitation measures.

Union Minister of State Dr Jitendra Singh also reviewed the situation, speaking to senior police officials and confirming that the cloudburst caused damage not only to villages but also to parts of the railway track, National Highway and even Kathua police station. “The civilian administration, military and paramilitary have swung into action. My sincere condolences to the families of the deceased,” Singh posted on X.

Rising waters, landslides add to threat

Officials reported landslides in Bagard, Changda and Lakhanpur areas, though no major casualties were reported. The Ujh river, swollen by heavy rains, is now flowing close to the danger mark, prompting the district administration to issue an advisory urging residents to stay away from water bodies.

The double blow of cloudbursts in Kathua and Kishtwar has raised fresh concerns over fragile Himalayan ecosystems and the safety of pilgrims and villagers during the monsoon surge.