Kathua, 17 August (Kiran News). Heavy rain in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir has led to severe destruction due to floods and landslides. Seven people, including five children, have died in the disaster. The tragedy claimed five precious lives in the Jakhole area’s Jod, while two people lost their lives in Bagda village of the Janglot area. Several houses have also been damaged.
The early morning disaster on Sunday caused widespread devastation in Jod (Jakhole) and Bagda (Janglot) areas of Kathua district. The rapidly rising floodwaters reached Kathua city and other low-lying areas, damaging main roads, fields, school buildings, government and private structures, Kathua ITI Road, Old Samba Kathua Road, and several other locations. Many villages lost connectivity, and people were evacuated with the help of Army helicopters. Search and rescue operations are ongoing in Jod Valley and surrounding areas, where suspected cloudburst events have cut off access to the villages. After a landslide in Juthana Jod, one family became trapped under debris. Kathua SSP Shobhit Saxena stated that seven bodies were recovered during rescue operations.
He informed that these incidents occurred between 3:30 and 4:00 in the morning. Relief and rescue teams reached the area quickly and began their efforts.
The deceased have been identified as Renu Devi (39) and her daughter Radhika (9), Surmu Deen (30), his sons Fanu (6) and Shedu (5), Habib Deen’s son Tahu (2), and Bashir Ahmad’s daughter Zulfan (15), all residents of Kathua district. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed grief over the loss of lives and property. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also expressed condolences and said he has informed Union Home Minister Amit Shah about the situation. Union Minister Jitendra Singh wrote on X that the civil administration, army, and paramilitary forces are engaged in relief work, and the situation is being closely monitored.
Police and SDRF teams have been deployed in the area. In Janglot, water entered the premises of a Kendriya Vidyalaya and the local police station. Roads, railway tracks, and parts of Kathua city have also experienced severe waterlogging. Due to continuous rain, the water levels of Sahar Khad and Ujh rivers have risen rapidly. Landslides have also been reported in Bagda and Changda villages under Kathua Police Station and in the Dilwan-Hatli area under Lakhanpur. As of the time of writing, relief and rescue operations were ongoing.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
