A joint team of police and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have reached the site and joined the local volunteers early Sunday in rescue operations.

VIDEO | Kathua: At least 4 dead and 6 injured after a cloudburst struck Jod Ghati village in Rajbagh during the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday.

(Source: Third Party)

(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/zBCZb3LUtt

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 17, 2025

So far, bodies of four persons have been recovered while six others were rescued in an injured condition and are being shifted to hospital, the officials told PTI.

J&K CM expresses grief, directs measures for safety of residents

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has directed the administration to carry out relief, rescue and evacuation measures to ensure safety of people in the cloudburst and landslide-hit district.

Abdullah also expressed his condolences to the bereaved families, and prayed for the “speedy recovery” of those injured.

“Chief Minister has expressed grief over the tragic loss of lives and damage caused by landslides in several parts of Kathua, including Jodh Khad and Juthana, which claimed four lives and left many injured. He conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured, and assured all necessary assistance,” the office of the chief minister wrote on X.

Chief Minister has expressed grief over the tragic loss of lives and damage caused by landslides in several parts of District Kathua, including Jodh Khad and Juthana, which claimed 4 lives and left many injured. He conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, prayed…

— Office of Chief Minister, J&K (@CM_JnK) August 17, 2025

Union Minister of State Dr Jitendra Singh, meanwhile, took stock of the situation in Kathua, as he spoke to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kathua, Sh. Shobhit Saxena. He also expressed his condolences to the families of those deceased.

Kathua: Debris and mud accumulated in a residential area following a cloudburst, in Kathua, Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025. (PTI Photo)

Taking to X, Singh wrote, “Spoken to SSP Kathua Sh Shobhit Saxena after receiving information about a cloud burst in the Janglote area. 4 Casualties reported. In addition, damage has occurred to Railway track, National Highway while Police Station Kathua has been affected. The civilian Administration, Military and Paramilitary has swung into action. The situation being continuously monitored. My sincere condolences to the families of the deceased.”

Spoken to SSP Kathua Sh Shobhit Saxena after receiving information about a cloud burst in the Janglote area.

4 Casualties reported. In addition, damage has occurred to Railway track, National Highway while Police Station Kathua has been affected.

The civilian Administration,…

— Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) August 17, 2025

Landslides, rise in water levels

The officials also told PTI that landslides also hit Bagard and Changda villages under the jurisdiction of Kathua police station and Dilwan-Hutli in Lakhanpur police station area, however, there was no major report of any damages.

Heavy rains have led to sharp increase in the levels of most water bodies, with the Ujh river flowing near the danger mark, the officials informed.

The district administration is closely watching the situation and have requested people to stay away from water bodies for their safety, PTI highlighted quoting the officials.

The flash floods in Kishtwar came at a time of the ongoing Mata Machail yatra on Thursday, and is believed to have swept away several pilgrims and damaged several homes so far, with over 70 people still believed to be missing, according to an Indian Express report.