Cloudburst in Kathua’s Jod Ghati village kills 4, injures 6; landslides and rising rivers prompt ongoing rescue and relief operations.
Rescue teams recover victims and aid injured after a cloudburst hits Jod Ghati, Kathua, as authorities monitor rivers and landslide-prone areas.
Jammu: In yet another tragedy fueled by nature’s fury, a cloudburst struck Jod Ghati village of Rajbagh in Kathua district during the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday, leaving four people dead and six others injured.
The sudden deluge not only cut off access to the remote village but also caused damage to land and property, officials said. A joint team of police and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), after hectic efforts, managed to reach the affected site and joined hands with local volunteers in rescue operations.
Bodies of four victims have been recovered, while six injured persons were pulled out alive and shifted to hospital. Officials further informed that heavy rains triggered landslides in Bagard, Changda, and Dilwan-Hutli villages under Kathua and Lakhanpur police stations. Fortunately, no major casualties were reported from these sites.
The downpour has also raised the water level dangerously in rivers and streams, with the Ujh river now flowing close to the danger mark. The district administration has urged people to remain away from water bodies as a precautionary measure.
