Kathua cloudburst: Officials reported that a cloudburst in Kathua district resulted in four fatalities and caused damage to a railway track, the national highway, and the local police station. In Jodh village, flash floods and a landslide have stranded six individuals and swept away multiple connecting roads. Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Rajesh Sharma, stated that rescue teams are present at the scene and are conducting operations.
Earlier, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said police, military and civil administration teams are carrying out rescue operations, and the situation is being closely monitored.
In a post on X, Jitendra Singh wrote, "Spoken to SSP Kathua Sh Shobhit Saxena after receiving information about a cloud burst in the Janglote area. 4 Casualties reported. In addition, damage has occurred to Railway track, National Highway while Police Station Kathua has been affected."
He expressed condolences to the families of the deceased, adding, "The civilian Administration, Military and Paramilitary has swung into action. The situation being continuously monitored. My sincere condolences to the families of the deceased."
Meanwhile, in Kishtwar district, security forces have intensified rescue and relief operations after a flash flood triggered by a cloudburst during the Machail Mata Yatra on August 14 left around 55 people dead.
General Officer Commanding (GOC) Counter Insurgency Force, Delta, Major General APS Bal, said all the security forces are trying their best to save as many lives as possible.
"...All the security forces are trying their best to rescue as many people as possible from the area affected by the cloudburst. We are also providing relief to the local people who have suffered due to this disaster... The Indian Army was the first to respond to this disaster, and they reached the spot within 45 minutes..." Major General Bal told the media on Saturday.
The Indian Army is leading ground operations, supported by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Border Roads Organisation (BRO), police, and the local administration. (ANI)