J&K CM Omar Abdullah Chairs Meeting to Address Kishtwar and Kathua Cloudburst Crisis
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah recently held an important meeting to tackle the aftermath of devastating cloudbursts in Kishtwar and Kathua districts. The meeting focused on speeding up relief and rehabilitation efforts for the affected communities and planning long-term measures to protect vulnerable areas from future disasters.
In early August 2025, cloudbursts struck Kishtwar and Kathua, causing widespread destruction. In Kishtwar’s Chishoti village, over 60 lives were lost, with more than 100 people injured and many still missing. In Kathua, seven people, including five children, died due to flash floods and landslides in Jodh Ghati and Janglote areas. These tragedies have left families devastated, homes destroyed, and livelihoods disrupted.
The cloudbursts, described as sudden downpours of over 100 mm of rain in an hour, triggered flash floods and landslides, submerging roads, damaging houses, and cutting off access to several villages. The disasters have highlighted the fragility of J&K’s Himalayan region, where heavy rainfall and environmental challenges often lead to such calamities.
During the meeting, CM Omar Abdullah emphasized the need for immediate action to support the affected people. He directed officials to ensure speedy assistance, including financial aid, medical care, and restoration of essential services like roads and electricity. The CM announced ex-gratia payments from the CM’s Relief Fund: ₹2 lakh for the families of the deceased, ₹1 lakh for those severely injured, and ₹50,000 for minor injuries. Financial help was also promised for damaged homes, with ₹1 lakh for fully destroyed houses and smaller amounts for partially damaged ones.
CM also stressed long-term solutions to prevent such disasters. He announced plans to form an expert team to identify vulnerable areas across J&K and suggest measures to minimize future losses. This team will study the region’s terrain and recommend ways to strengthen disaster preparedness, such as better early warning systems and infrastructure improvements.
cloudbursts in Kishtwar and Kathua have shown how climate change and environmental degradation are making J&K’s Himalayan region more prone to extreme weather events. Deforestation, unregulated construction, and lack of preparedness have worsened the impact of these disasters. The ValleyVibes.online team believes that the CM’s proactive approach is a step toward addressing these challenges and protecting lives.
Meeting also highlighted the importance of teamwork between the J&K government, central authorities, and security forces. The Indian Army, police, and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been working tirelessly, using helicopters and ground teams to rescue people and provide aid. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has assured full support from the central government, ensuring that resources are available for relief efforts.
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