The Indian Army has launched a major relief and rescue operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district after flash floods, triggered by a cloudburst in the Ghati area, resulted in four fatalities and numerous injuries. The Army’s Rising Star Corps reported their ongoing efforts on X, stating, “Indian Army columns on the ground in #Kathua — rescuing families, giving hope, food & care after the #Cloudburst.” Images shared by the Army showcased soldiers assisting the injured and facilitating timely evacuations to medical facilities.
In a related effort, the White Knight Corps, based in Nagrota, also posted on X about their quick mobilization for rescue operations following a cloudburst at Chisoti Village in Kishtwar. Their focus is on saving lives and supporting survivors, while searches for the missing continue. The corps has deployed relief supplies, medical teams, and rescue equipment to the affected areas, emphasizing their commitment to the public with the message, “We Serve, We Protect.”
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh confirmed that helicopters have been utilized to evacuate the injured swiftly from the disaster site. An update from Dr. Singh mentioned that six individuals were airlifted to hospitals in Mamoon, Pathankot, due to its proximity to the scene. DIG Police Shiv Kumar Sharma is reportedly at the site, coordinating efforts and maintaining communication with higher officials for further assistance as needed.
Earlier in the day, Union Home Minister Amit Shah communicated with Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister, pledging comprehensive support from the Central government for the ongoing rescue and relief work. He remarked on X, “Spoke with the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister regarding the cloudburst in Kathua. Relief and rescue operations are being carried out by local administration and NDRF teams have been rushed to the site.” He assured full backing from the Modi government, expressing solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Authorities have reported that at least four lives were lost and many others injured during the cloudburst incident that occurred late Saturday night into Sunday, with ongoing rescue operations currently underway. Dr. Singh was the first to share news about the cloudburst, revealing communication with SSP Kathua, Shobhit Saxena, and highlighting that damage was also caused to railway tracks and the National Highway, in addition to affecting the Kathua Police Station.
The Chief Minister’s office expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of life and property caused by landslides in various areas of Kathua, including Jodh Khad and Juthana. The Chief Minister has conveyed condolences to the families of the victims and has directed immediate relief, rescue, and evacuation actions for the safety of affected residents.
A weather advisory has been issued by the district administration, warning of “heavy to very heavy rainfall” across the district and urging residents to stay away from water bodies. This incident marks the second cloudburst to impact Jammu and Kashmir in just four days, following a massive cloudburst on August 14 in Chashoti village, which has resulted in the recovery of 65 bodies and the rescue of over 100 individuals. Reports indicate that around 75 people remain missing, with local accounts suggesting that hundreds may have been swept away by the floods and trapped under debris. Among the deceased from the Chashoti disaster were two personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force and a Special Police Officer from the local police, according to officials. The Chashoti incident struck the last motorable village on the path to the revered Machail Mata temple.
Original Source: https://www.morungexpress.com/kathua-cloudburst-army-deploys-troops-resources-to-help-in-rescue-operation
Category: India
Tags:
Publish Date: 2025-08-17 15:19:00
