Daijiworld Media Network- Kathua
Kathua, Aug 17: Tragedy struck Jammu and Kashmir yet again on Sunday, as a fresh cloudburst and landslide claimed seven lives in Kathua district, just days after the devastating calamity in Chisoti village that left 60 people dead.
According to officials, five persons were killed in Jodh Ghati village following a cloudburst that snapped road connectivity and damaged houses, while two others lost their lives in a landslide at Janglote area. At least five others sustained injuries and were shifted to hospitals.
The Indian Army, Rising Star Corps, swiftly launched massive rescue and relief operations with the support of police, SDRF, NDRF and local volunteers. Army helicopters, including Dhruv choppers, airlifted 15 stranded persons to safety and evacuated the injured to hospitals in Pathankot, Punjab. Troops on ground are also providing food, medical assistance and shelter to affected families.
District Development Commissioner, Rajesh Sharma, along with senior civil and police officers, rushed to the affected areas to supervise relief operations. Meanwhile, incessant rainfall has triggered multiple landslides in Bagard, Changda, and Dilwan-Hutli under Lakhanpur police station. The Ujh River is reported to be flowing dangerously close to the danger mark, prompting authorities to issue an advisory urging people to stay away from water bodies.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed deep grief over the tragic loss of lives and assured full assistance to the affected families. He directed the administration to expedite rescue and relief measures on war footing. Union Minister Jitendra Singh also confirmed that civilian administration, Army and paramilitary forces are working in close coordination to provide immediate relief.
This fresh calamity in Kathua comes barely three days after flash floods triggered by a cloudburst in Kishtwar’s Chisoti village left 60 people dead and more than 100 injured, with 82 still missing, including pilgrims and a CISF personnel.