New Delhi| Aug,17: Following a devastating cloudburst in Kathua district, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in four deaths the Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the Central government is actively monitoring the situation. He expressed the government’s commitment to providing full support and noted that rescue operations are currently underway, facilitated by local administration and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams.
In his communication on social media, Shah mentioned discussions with the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir regarding the incident. He emphasized the ongoing relief efforts and assured that the Modi government stands firmly behind the people of Jammu and Kashmir during this crisis. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also conveyed his sorrow over the loss of lives due to rain-induced landslides, describing the tragedy as “mind-numbing.” He updated Shah on the status of rescue and relief operations involving the army, NDRF, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, and local administration.
The cloudburst, which occurred late Saturday night, caused significant damage, including the destruction of a railway track, the national highway, and a local police station. Flash floods and landslides in Jodh village have trapped six individuals and washed away several connecting roads. Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Sharma reported that rescue teams are actively engaged in operations in Jodh village. Union Minister Jitendra Singh also confirmed that police, military, and civil administration teams are conducting rescue efforts and that the situation is being closely monitored.
