A powerful cloudburst struck Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district early Sunday, leaving at least four people feared dead. The sudden deluge triggered flash floods that swept through a village, causing significant destruction and prompting immediate rescue operations.
The disaster occurred in the Janglote area, where torrential rains overwhelmed local infrastructure. Reports indicate that six individuals have been rescued so far, though the full extent of the damage remains unclear. Homes have been buried under debris, and roads have been severed, complicating access to affected areas. Additionally, railway tracks and the local police station in Kathua sustained damage, further hampering response efforts.
Local authorities, including the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), have mobilized alongside community members to conduct rescue operations. The injured have been promptly transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. Landslides triggered by the heavy rainfall have been reported in surrounding areas, adding to the challenges faced by responders. The Ujh River, a key waterway in the region, is nearing dangerous levels, raising concerns about further flooding.
The district administration is closely monitoring the situation and has issued warnings for residents to avoid water bodies and slide-prone areas due to the ongoing risk of heavy rainfall. Posts on X reflect the urgency of the crisis, with updates confirming the loss of four lives and injuries to six others, alongside significant infrastructure damage.