A catastrophic cloudburst and landslide struck Kathua district in Jammu and Kashmir, claiming the lives of seven individuals and injuring five others. The twin disasters, triggered by heavy overnight rainfall, devastated Jodh Ghati village in Rajbagh and Janglote, leaving a trail of destruction.

In Jodh Ghati, a cloudburst caused severe flooding, snapping access to the village and damaging multiple homes, resulting in five fatalities. Simultaneously, a landslide in Janglote claimed two lives.

Authorities, including the District Development Commissioner Rajesh Sharma, along with senior civil and police officials, swiftly mobilized to oversee rescue and relief operations. A joint effort involving police, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local volunteers continues to evacuate and assist those affected, with five injured individuals from Jodh Ghati receiving hospital treatment.

Landslides also struck Bagard, Changda, and Dilwan-Hutli villages, though no significant damage was reported in these areas. Heavy rainfall caused water levels in local bodies, particularly the Ujh River, to rise dangerously close to the danger mark. The district administration has issued advisories urging residents to avoid water bodies for safety.

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Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, offering condolences to the affected families and ensuring comprehensive support for rescue and relief efforts. “The Chief Minister has directed the administration to carry out immediate measures to ensure the safety and support of affected families,” his office stated on X.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh confirmed that civilian, military, and paramilitary forces are actively engaged in relief operations, with close coordination from local authorities, including SSP Kathua Shobhit Saxena.

The disaster underscores the vulnerability of the region to extreme weather events, prompting urgent calls for enhanced preparedness and infrastructure resilience.

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