Another Catastrophic Cloudburst Strikes J&K; 5 Children Among Seven Killed

 Srinagar: A catastrophic cloudburst struck the Ghati area of Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district early Sunday, killing seven people, including five children, and injuring six others.

The victims were identified as Renu Devi (39), her daughter Radhika (9), Surmu Din (30), his sons Fanu (6) and Shedu (5), Tahu (2), son of Habib Deen, and Zulfan (15), daughter of Bashir Ahmed.

The injured were airlifted to a hospital in Mamoon, Pathankot, for treatment, as it was the nearest accessible facility, according to Union Minister Jitendra Singh.

The disaster caused extensive damage, destroying homes, a police station, a railway track, and parts of National Highway (NH 44) in Janglot and nearby areas. Flash floods inundated Janglote, Jodh Village, Ghatti, Chandarh, Bhed Blore, Bagrah, Dilwan, Hatli, and Lakhanpur, flooding the local industrial area, Kendriya Vidyalaya school, and Janglote police station.

The railway track and NH 44 suffered severe damage, disrupting connectivity and hindering relief efforts.

Rescue operations, involving the Indian Army, SDRF, and NDRF, are underway to clear debris, assist affected families, and provide medical care. “The loss of lives and widespread destruction is heartbreaking,” an unnamed official told local news agency KNO. “Our priority is ensuring resident safety, providing medical aid, and restoring critical infrastructure quickly", he added.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed grief and announced ex-gratia assistance from the CM’s Relief Fund, supplementing SDRF support. This includes ₹2 lakh for each deceased, ₹1 lakh for the severely injured, and ₹50,000 for those with minor injuries. For housing damages, ₹1 lakh will be provided for fully damaged houses, ₹50,000 for severely damaged ones, and ₹25,000 for partially damaged structures.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha briefed Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the ongoing rescue and relief efforts.

In a post on 'X', Sinha said, “Deeply anguished by the tragic loss of lives due to rain-triggered landslides in Kathua. I have directed senior officials to coordinate efforts and provide on-site medical aid. My thoughts are with the bereaved families, and I pray for the swift recovery of the injured.”

After speaking with the Lt. Governor and Chief Minister, Shah assured full support from the Centre, stating on 'X', “Relief and rescue operations are being carried out by the local administration and NDRF teams. Assured every support from the Modi government. We stand firmly behind our sisters and brothers of J&K.”

Due to continuous heavy rainfall, railway authorities suspended train services between Udhampur and Pathankot until further notice, citing unsafe track conditions.

Authorities have urged the public to avoid rivers, streams, and hilly areas due to risks of flash floods and landslides.

This follows another devastating cloudburst in eastern Kishtwar’s Chositi village on August 14, which killed at least 65 people, including two CISF personnel, and injured over 150, destroying homes, shops, temples, and a bridge during the Chandi Mata yatra.