Kathua cloudburst: 7 dead; army deploys choppers into rescue operation
Several army columns were inducted into the operation in affected areas; CM announces ex-gratia assistance to families of deceased from CM’s relief fund
At least seven persons were killed and five others injured in two separate incidents of cloudburst and landslide in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir early on Sunday (August 17).
The Army has deployed helicopters and several columns in the cloudburst-hit Jodh Ghati village of Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district, officials said.
The calamity struck Jodh Ghati village of Rajbagh and Janglote amid heavy overnight rains in the district. The cloudburst in Kathua came three days after flash floods triggered by cloudburst struck Chisoti village in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir on August 14, leaving 60 people dead and more than 100 injured.
District Development Commissioner, Kathua, Rajesh Sharma along with senior civil and police officers have rushed to the scene in Kathua to supervise the rescue and relief operation.
Army to the rescue
Several army columns were inducted into the operation in the affected areas to rescue stranded people and evacuate the injured to hospitals, the officials said. An Army helicopter deployed for rescue operations in Ghatti airlifted 15 people to hospital, they added. The Dhruv helicopters airlifted injured to a hospital in Pathankot in Punjab as well.
Also read: Kishtwar cloudburst: Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia announced; people angry over rescue work
Troops from Rising Star Corps are working on the ground with police, SDRF and locals to rescue families, providing food and medical care, the officials said.
Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Rajesh Sharma, who is supervising the operation, said relief and rescue efforts are underway after seven people lost their lives in rain-triggered landslides in the district.
“Heavy rainfall has caused significant damage in Kathua, and unfortunately, we have also lost lives. Five people died and seven were injured, and two more lives were lost in Janglote. We are ensuring the supply of essential items, though connectivity issues persist. Efforts are being made to provide supplies by air,” he said.
5 dead in Jodh Ghati
While five persons lost their lives in Jodh Ghati, which was hit by the cloudburst, snapping access to the village and causing damage to some houses, two persons lost their lives in a landslide triggered by rains at Janglote area, the officials said.
They said five persons were evacuated to the hospital from Jodh Ghati, where a joint rescue operation by police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local volunteers is continuing.
Amit Shah speaks to JK LG, CM
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday spoke to Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on the cloudburst in Kathua and assured all support from the Centre.
Also read: How climate change, tourism, and human greed push Uttarkashi towards disaster
"Spoke with the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir regarding the cloudburst in Kathua. Relief and rescue operations are being carried out by the local administration and NDRF teams have also been rushed to the site. Assured every support from the Modi government. We stand firmly behind our sisters and brothers of J&K," Shah wrote on X.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh said the civilian administration, military and paramilitary forces have swung into action and inducted helicopter services for rescue and relief operations in the cloudburst-hit Kathua district.
"Spoke to Kathua SSP Shobhit Saxena after receiving information about a cloudburst in the Janglote area," Singh wrote in an X post. "Four casualties have been reported (in Janglote). In addition, damage has occurred to the railway track and national highway, while Kathua police station has also been affected," he added.
He said the situation is being continuously monitored. "Six injured have been airlifted for hospitalisation in Mamoon, Pathankot, which was found to be (the) relatively nearer destination," the minister wrote.
CM condoles deaths
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah too expressed grief over the loss of lives and directed the administration to carry out relief, rescue and evacuation measures to ensure the safety of people.
“Chief Minister has expressed grief over the tragic loss of lives and damage caused by landslides in several parts of Kathua, including Jodh Khad and Juthana, which claimed four lives and left many injured. He conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured, and assured all necessary assistance,” the office of the chief minister said on X.
Relief, rescue ops underway
It said the chief minister has directed the administration to carry out immediate relief, rescue, and evacuation measures to ensure the safety and support of affected families.
Also read: Uttarkashi flash floods: Survivors recount narrow escape; over 1,000 evacuated
Abdullah later announced ex-gratia assistance to the families of the deceased from the CM’s relief fund, in addition to SDRF support.
In another post shared on X by the CMO, Abdullah said the assistance is aimed at providing immediate relief and supporting the affected families in rebuilding their lives.
“The chief minister, expressing deep concern for the lives and property affected by the recent cloudburst in Kathua, has announced ex-gratia assistance from the CM’s Relief Fund, in addition to SDRF support,” the post read.
Rs 2 lakh for kin of deceased
It said Rs 2 lakh would be given to the kin of each deceased, Rs 1 lakh for those severely injured, and Rs 50,000 for minor injuries.
The chief minister also sanctioned Rs 1 lakh for fully damaged houses, Rs 50,000 for severely damaged houses and Rs 25,000 for partially damaged houses.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh said the civilian administration, military and paramilitary forces have swung into action to carry out rescue and relief operations in Kathua.
"Spoke to SSP Kathua Sh. Shobhit Saxena, after receiving information about a cloudburst in the Janglote area," Singh wrote on X.
Meanwhile, the heavy rains have led to a sharp increase in the level in most of the water bodies with the Ujh river flowing near the danger mark, the officials said.
The district administration is closely watching the situation and has requested people to stay away from water bodies for their safety, the officials said.
(With agency inputs)