The Indian Army has taken charge of relief and rescue operations in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district after a devastating cloudburst claimed four lives and left several injured. The incident occurred in the Ghati area during the night between Saturday and Sunday, triggering flash floods that caused widespread damage.

The Army’s Rising Star Corps shared on X, “Indian Army columns on the ground in Kathua — rescuing families, giving hope, food, and care after the cloudburst.” Images posted online showed soldiers evacuating injured people to safer locations to ensure timely medical assistance.

Simultaneously, troops from the White Knight Corps were mobilized to Chisoti village in Kishtwar, which also suffered heavy damage from flash floods caused by another cloudburst. “Efforts are centred on safeguarding lives and aiding survivors. Search for missing continues. Relief stores, medical teams, and rescue gear rushed to site. We Serve, We Protect,” said the corps on X.

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh confirmed that helicopters have been deployed for swift evacuation of the injured to hospitals. “Six injured have been airlifted for hospitalization in Mamoon, Pathankot, which is relatively nearer. DIG Police Shiv Kumar Sharma is on-site and coordinating efforts,” he stated.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured full central government support, tweeting, “Spoke with the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir regarding the cloudburst in Kathua. Relief and rescue operations are underway by local administration and NDRF teams. The Modi government stands firmly with our sisters and brothers of J&K.”

Officials reported that the disaster also damaged a railway track, the National Highway, and the local police station. The Chief Minister expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and instructed authorities to carry out immediate relief and evacuation measures.

The district administration has issued a weather advisory warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall and urged residents to stay away from water bodies.

This is the second cloudburst to hit the region in four days. On August 14, Chashoti village in Kishtwar was struck by a massive cloudburst, which killed 65 people and left at least 75 missing. Eyewitnesses fear the actual toll may be higher as many remain trapped under debris.