Heavy rain and flash floods wreaked havoc in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district early Sunday morning, leading to the death of at least seven people, including five children, while four others sustained injuries. The devastating natural disaster has triggered extensive search and rescue operations in the affected Jodh Ghati and nearby areas, with authorities racing against time to locate survivors and recover bodies.
This catastrophe comes just days after a deadly cloudburst in the neighbouring Kishtwar district claimed around 60 lives and left nearly 100 people missing, highlighting the region’s vulnerability during the monsoon season.
The Chief Minister expressed deep concern over the loss of life and property caused by the recent cloudburst in Kathua and announced ex-gratia compensation from the CM’s Relief Fund, alongside support from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).
The assistance includes ₹2 lakh for families of the deceased, ₹1 lakh for those severely injured, and ₹50,000 for minor injuries. Additionally, financial aid will be provided to affected households, with ₹1 lakh for fully damaged homes, ₹50,000 for severely damaged houses, and ₹25,000 for partially damaged ones. This relief package aims to offer immediate support and help families begin the process of rebuilding their lives.
Rescue Efforts Amid Disrupted Infrastructure
According to officials, the incidents occurred between 3:30 am and 4 am, when suspected cloudbursts resulted in abrupt flash floods and landslides. Juthana Jodh village was severely impacted by a landslide that may have trapped an entire family under debris, raising grave concerns. Kathua Senior Superintendent of Police, Shobhit Saxena, confirmed that rescue teams had recovered seven bodies, including mothers and their young children, while the search for other missing individuals continues.
Police Inspector Ajay Singh informed that advance rescue parties had reached the affected locations and operations were underway with the support of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). Additionally, while flash floods and landslides have been reported, the Indian Meteorological Department is yet to confirm whether the event technically qualifies as a cloudburst, defined as rainfall exceeding 100 mm in one hour.
Background: Vulnerability of Jammu and Kashmir to Cloudbursts
The sheer volume of water has caused widespread waterlogging in vital infrastructure zones including the Janglote industrial area, a Kendriya Vidyalaya school campus, and the local police station. Moreover, roads and railway tracks across the region are submerged, impeding movement and complicating rescue work.
Water levels of tributaries such as the Sahar Khad and Ujh rivers have risen sharply, further exacerbating the flood scenario. With the Army on standby to assist if required, there are coordinated efforts by various government agencies to deliver relief and prevent further loss.
These disasters follow in the wake of the recent cloudburst tragedy in Kishtwar district, which left dozens dead and many more unaccounted for, reflecting a chronic challenge for the mountainous regions of Jammu and Kashmir during the peak monsoon months.
The increased frequency of intense rainfall events, combined with fragile terrain and inadequate infrastructure, creates a perilous setting prone to sudden disasters. The region’s need for better early warning systems, effective evacuation protocols, and community preparedness has never been more urgent.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The Logical Indian mourns the tragic loss of lives and reiterates the urgent need to strengthen community preparedness, early warning systems, and resilient infrastructure in vulnerable regions.
While natural disasters are inevitable, collaborative efforts among government agencies, civil society, and local communities can make a significant difference in reducing casualties and damage.
