Recent heavy rains have caused widespread damage and loss of life in the Jammu and Kashmir districts of Kathua and Kishtwar.
In Kathua, rain-triggered landslides claimed four lives. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha described the tragedy as “mind-numbing” and stated that he had briefed Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the ongoing rescue and relief efforts. According to officials, a cloudburst damaged a railway track and a national highway, and a landslide and flash flood in Jodh village trapped six people and washed away several roads. Rescue teams are on the scene, with operations led by the army, NDRF, SDRF, police, and local administration.
In Kishtwar, a cloudburst on August 14 caused a flash flood during the Machail Mata Yatra, leaving 55 people dead. Security forces have been working to rescue survivors and provide relief to those affected. Major General APS Bal of the Counter Insurgency Force, Delta, stated that the Indian Army was the first to respond, arriving at the scene within 45 minutes of the disaster. The Indian Army is currently leading the ground operations, with support from the NDRF, SDRF, Border Roads Organisation (BRO), police, and the local administration.
