Tragedy Strikes: Cloudburst and Landslide Claim Lives in Kathua

At least seven people died and five others were injured in separate incidents of cloudburst and landslide in Kathua district, Jammu and Kashmir, early Sunday, officials reported. These tragedies occurred in Jodh Ghati village of Rajbagh and Janglote amid heavy overnight rain. District Development Commissioner Rajesh Sharma, along with senior officials, rushed to the scene to oversee rescue efforts.

In Jodh Ghati, five people died following a cloudburst that disrupted access to the village and damaged several houses. In Janglote, a rain-triggered landslide claimed two lives. Rescue operations, involving police, the State Disaster Response Force, and local volunteers, continue here, and five people have been hospitalized.

Landslides also affected Bagard and Changda villages under Kathua police jurisdiction and Dilwan-Hutli in Lakhanpur area, though no major damage has been reported. The Ujh river's water level approaches the danger mark, leading authorities to warn residents against approaching water bodies. The chief minister has expressed grief and directed swift relief efforts.