Cloudburst Triggers Flash Floods in Kathua: Army, NDRF Lead Rescue Efforts

A devastating cloudburst struck the Ghati area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district late Saturday night, triggering flash floods that claimed the lives of at least four people and left several others injured. The Indian Army, along with National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and local administration, has launched extensive rescue and relief operations.

The Army’s Rising Star Corps, deployed in the region, confirmed the immediate mobilization of troops for rescue efforts. In a post on X, it stated, “Indian Army columns on the ground in #Kathua — rescuing families, giving hope, food & care after the #Cloudburst,” accompanied by photos of soldiers assisting injured civilians and moving them to safety.

Simultaneously, the White Knight Corps from Nagrota responded to another cloudburst incident in Chashoti village of Kishtwar. “Troops swiftly mobilised for rescue & relief ops. Efforts are centred on safeguarding lives and aiding survivors. Search for missing continues. Relief stores, medical teams & rescue gear rushed to site,” said the Corps in a statement.

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh also shared updates, confirming the use of helicopters to evacuate the injured. “Six injured have been airlifted to Mamoon, Pathankot, the nearest suitable hospital. DIG Shiv Kumar Sharma and his team are on-site,” he posted on X.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister of J&K, offering full support from the Centre. He assured that NDRF teams were deployed and the Modi government “stands firmly” with the people of J&K.

The Chief Minister’s Office also expressed deep grief over the loss of lives in Kathua’s Jodh Khad and Juthana areas. “The CM has directed the administration to expedite rescue and relief measures and ensure all possible assistance to the affected families,” read the statement.

SSP Kathua, Shobhit Saxena, confirmed damage to critical infrastructure, including a section of the railway track, the national highway, and even the local police station.

The district administration has issued a weather advisory, warning residents to stay clear of rivers, streams, and other water bodies due to ongoing “heavy to very heavy rainfall.”

This marks the second major cloudburst in J&K within four days. On August 14, Chashoti village in Kishtwar witnessed a catastrophic cloudburst, resulting in at least 65 confirmed deaths. Over 100 people were rescued, while 75 remain missing. Local accounts suggest the actual number of casualties may be significantly higher, with many feared trapped under debris.

Among those killed in the Kishtwar incident were two CISF personnel and a Special Police Officer (SPO), highlighting the scale and severity of the disaster.

Relief operations are ongoing in both Kathua and Kishtwar, with authorities emphasizing the need for caution amid the persistent threat of extreme we