Kathua Cloudburst: Army Joins Rescue Operations as 4 Killed, Several Injured

Jammu — The Indian Army has deployed troops and resources in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district after a cloudburst in the Ghati area triggered flash floods, killing four people and injuring several others.

Confirming its role in the relief efforts, the Army’s Rising Star Corps posted on X: “Indian Army columns on the ground in Kathua — rescuing families, giving hope, food and care after the cloudburst.” Images released by the Army showed soldiers evacuating the injured to safer locations for urgent medical attention.

The Nagrota-based White Knight Corps also reported mobilizing troops in nearby Kishtwar, where a separate cloudburst hit Chisoti village. “Efforts are centred on safeguarding lives and aiding survivors. Search for missing continues. Relief stores, medical teams and rescue gear rushed to site. We Serve, We Protect,” it said.

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh confirmed that helicopters were pressed into service to airlift the injured. “Six injured have been airlifted for hospitalization in Mamoon, Pathankot, which was found to be the nearest suitable destination. DIG Police Shiv Kumar Sharma and his team are camping at the site and are in constant touch with me. Further assistance will be arranged as required,” he posted on X.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also spoke to J&K’s Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister, assuring full central support. “Relief and rescue operations are being carried out by the local administration and NDRF teams have also been rushed to the site. Assured every support from the Modi government. We stand firmly behind our sisters and brothers of J&K,” he wrote on X.

Kathua officials confirmed that along with loss of lives, flash floods caused damage to a railway track, parts of the National Highway, and the local police station. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed grief over the casualties and directed the administration to ensure immediate relief and evacuation measures.

The district administration has since issued a weather advisory, warning of “heavy to very heavy rainfall” across Kathua and urging residents to stay away from water bodies.

This marks the second such disaster in J&K within four days. On August 14, a massive cloudburst struck Chasoti village in Kishtwar’s Padder sub-division, leaving at least 65 dead, 100 rescued, and 75 still reported missing. Locals fear the actual toll may be much higher, with many swept away by flash floods or trapped under debris. Among the dead were two CISF personnel and a Special Police Officer.

With inputs from IANS