Kathua, Jammu & Kashmir – August 17, 2025 — The hilly terrain of the Kathua district was caught off guard by a cloudburst on Sunday, which proved fatal for at least seven people and left several injured. Heavy rain resulted in flash floods and landslides at Jodh Ghati and Janglote, swept away houses, choked roads, and damaged lifeline infrastructure.
Rescue teams, which include the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, and local volunteers, have been sent to search for survivors and evacuate trapped villagers. Several of the affected villages remain inaccessible due to flooded roads and debris.
Officials announced the burst of Ujh River dangerously after the cloudburst, leading authorities to raise alerts and caution residents to not approach water bodies. The disaster also affected the National Highway-44, railway tracks, and even the infrastructure close to the Kathua police station, leading to connectivity and response being severed.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh promised that civilian as well as security agencies are together to restore normalcy. Chief Minister Jammu & Kashmir Omar Abdullah expressed regret for the loss of lives and vowed to provide immediate relief and compensation to the bereaved families.
The tragedy highlights the growing vulnerability of the Himalayan region to extreme weather conditions as heavy rains and cloudbursts continue to recur with increasing frequency.