What Actions Are Being Taken Following the Kathua Cloudburst?

Jammu, Aug 17 (NationPress) On Sunday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had a conversation with Jammu and Kashmir's Lt Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, offering comprehensive support for the ongoing relief and rescue efforts in Kathua district. This area has recently been impacted by a cloudburst-induced flash flood that resulted in the tragic deaths of four individuals and left many others injured.

Amit Shah expressed on X, “I communicated with both the Lieutenant Governor and the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir concerning the cloudburst in Kathua. The local administration is actively engaged in relief and rescue operations, and NDRF teams have been deployed to the scene. I assured them of full support from the Modi government. We stand resolutely with our brothers and sisters in J&K.”

Officials reported that at least four people lost their lives, with numerous others injured due to the cloudburst that struck during the night between Saturday and Sunday. Rescue operations are currently in progress in the affected areas.

Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (PMO), stated on X, “I spoke with SSP Kathua Sh Shobhit Saxena upon learning about the cloudburst in the Janglote region. Four casualties have been confirmed. Additionally, there has been damage to railway tracks and the National Highway, along with impacts on the Police Station in Kathua.”

Further, CM Omar Abdullah’s office shared on X that the Chief Minister expressed sorrow over the tragic loss of life and the devastation caused by landslides in various regions of Kathua, including Jodh Khad and Juthana, which resulted in four fatalities and numerous injuries.

“He extended heartfelt condolences to the grieving families, wished for the swift recovery of the injured, and promised all necessary assistance. The Chief Minister has instructed the administration to undertake immediate relief, rescue, and evacuation operations to ensure the safety and support of affected families,” the CMO stated.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh later provided an update on the cloudburst, mentioning on X, “Helicopter services have been arranged to transport the injured to appropriate hospitals. Six injured individuals have been airlifted to Mamoon, Pathankot, which is a closer destination. DIG Police, Sh Shiv Kumar Sharma, and his team are on-site and in continuous communication with me. Further assistance will be provided as needed.”

Singh previously indicated that he instructed the civilian administration, military, and paramilitary forces to activate their response, with the situation being closely monitored.

“My heartfelt condolences go out to the families of those who have passed away,” the Minister expressed in his post.

The district administration has issued a weather advisory warning of “heavy to very heavy rainfall” occurring throughout the district.

They also urged the public to avoid proximity to water bodies.

The information and public relations office of the union territory reported on X, “Weather Advisory | Kathua. Heavy to very heavy rainfall has been noted across the district. Please stay away from rivers, streams, nallahs, and areas prone to landslides. Remain vigilant regarding the risk of flash floods and landslides.”

This marks the second cloudburst to strike Jammu and Kashmir in just four days. On August 14, a significant cloudburst hit the Chashoti village in the Padder sub-division of Kishtwar district, leading to the recovery of 65 bodies and the rescue of over 100 individuals.

In Kishtwar, families have reported 75 people missing, although local witnesses believe the number could be in the hundreds, potentially swept away by flash floods and buried beneath massive boulders, logs, and debris. Among the deceased were two members of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and a Special Police Officer (SPO) from the local police, according to officials.

The disaster affected Chashoti, the last motorable village on the route to the Machail Mata temple, around 12:25 p.m. on August 14, devastating a temporary market, a community kitchen for Machail Mata Yatris, and a security outpost.

At least 16 residential homes and government structures, three temples, four water mills, a 30-meter-long bridge, and over a dozen vehicles sustained damage due to the flash floods.