A cloudburst struck multiple areas of Kathua district during the night between Saturday and Sunday, officials said. Heavy overnight rainfall triggered landslides and floods, damaging homes, roads, and railway tracks. The sudden deluge cut off one village, slowing down rescue and relief efforts. Authorities have been alerted, and operations are ongoing to help affected residents.

LG Manoj Sinha Expresses Grief

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed his sorrow over the incident and informed that he has briefed Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He confirmed that rescue operations are in progress.

On X, he wrote, “Deeply anguished by the loss of lives in the devastating rain-triggered landslides in several areas of Kathua. The tragedy is mind-numbing. Briefed Hon’ble Union Home Minister Sh. Amit Shah Ji on rescue and relief operations by the army, NDRF, SDRF, police & administration."

He added, “I have directed the Senior Civil & Police Officials to coordinate and execute rescue and aid efforts in the affected areas and ensure on-site medical assistance. My thoughts are with bereaved families and praying for the swift recovery of those injured."

Amit Shah Reviews Situation

Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with LG Manoj Sinha and assessed the situation. Sharing an update on X, he wrote, “Spoke with the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir regarding the cloudburst in Kathua. 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."

Spoke with the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir regarding the cloudburst in Kathua. 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…

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) August 17, 2025

CM Omar Abdullah Offers Condolences

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed grief and prayed for the injured’s recovery. An official statement from the CMO said, “Chief Minister has expressed grief over the tragic loss of lives and damage caused by landslides in several parts of District Kathua, including Jodh Khad and Juthana, which claimed 4 lives and left many injured. He conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured, and assured all necessary assistance."

The statement added that Abdullah directed the administration to carry out immediate relief, rescue, and evacuation measures for affected families.

Chief Minister has expressed grief over the tragic loss of lives and damage caused by landslides in several parts of District Kathua, including Jodh Khad and Juthana, which claimed 4 lives and left many injured. He conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, prayed…

— Office of Chief Minister, J&K (@CM_JnK) August 17, 2025

Identities of the Deceased

The victims have been identified as:

• Renu Devi (39) and her daughter Radhika (9), wife and daughter of Parveen Singh, residents of Bagra, Janglot

• Five others from Jode, Tehsil Kathua: Surmu Din (30), his sons Fanu (6) and Shedu (5), Tahu (2), and Zulfan (15), daughter of Bashir Ahmed

Railway and Road Damage

Union Minister Jitendra Singh confirmed that the cloudburst damaged a railway track and the national highway. He wrote on X, “Spoke to SSP Kathua Sh Shobhit Saxena after receiving information about a cloudburst in the Janglote area. 4 Casualties reported. In addition, damage has occurred to Railway track, National Highway while Police Station Kathua has been affected."

He added, “The civilian Administration, Military and Paramilitary has swung into action. The situation is being continuously monitored. My sincere condolences to the families of the deceased."

Spoken to SSP Kathua Sh Shobhit Saxena after receiving information about a cloud burst in the Janglote area.

4 Casualties reported. In addition, damage has occurred to Railway track, National Highway while Police Station Kathua has been affected.

The civilian Administration,…

— Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) August 17, 2025

Weather Advisory and Public Safety

Due to ongoing heavy rains in Kathua, the District Administration issued a weather advisory urging residents to stay away from rivers, streams, nullahs, and landslide-prone areas. Authorities warned that sudden water level rises could pose serious risks.

The Jammu & Kashmir UT Disaster Management Authority (JKUTDMA) issued a broader alert for the next 56 hours, warning of heavy rainfall, cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides in multiple districts including Anantnag, Kulgam, Doda, Jammu, Kathua, and others. Residents are advised to avoid vulnerable areas, remain updated on official alerts, and dial 112 in emergencies.

🚨 Weather Advisory | Kathua 🚨
Heavy to very heavy rainfall reported across the district.
⚠️ Avoid rivers, streams, nallahs, hilly & landslide-prone areas.
Stay alert to risk of flash floods & landslides.
📞 Helpline:
DEOC: 01922-238796 | PCR: 9858034100 | ERSS: 112@diprjk pic.twitter.com/pUVhCdqSGe

— Information & PR, Kathua (@DiprKathua) August 17, 2025

Helpline Numbers

• District Emergency Operation Centre (DEOC): 01922-238796

• Police Control Room (PCR): 9858034100