In the aftermath of a devastating cloudburst and flash floods that struck Kathua district, Jammu & Kashmir on August 17, 2025, the Indian Army swiftly mounted large-scale rescue and relief operations to support the distressed population.
At least seven people have died in a landslide triggered by heavy rain in Kathua district, while rescue and relief operations are underway in Kathua and Kishtwar, officials said on Sunday.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday took stock of the rescue and relief operations in the flash-flood-affected Chashoti area of Kishtwar and directed officials to ensure immediate and uninterrupted essential supplies to those affected.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh said that rescue and relief operations in Kishtwar are continuing through the night after a devastating cloudburst struck the district on August 14, leaving over 60 people dead.
Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday visited the flash flood-affected areas in Kishtwar district to assess the extent of the damage.
Speaking to ANI, Singh said, "The government immediately took cognisance of it...PM Modi personally took cognisance of it and monitored it. After that, the equipment was brought here overnight by vehicles. CRPF came here overnight with equipment. Air Force, Indian Army, DG Police, Jammu-Kash
According to officials, relief operations are underway in coordination with the Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and other civilian agencies.
Transport aircraft C295 landed at Dharasu town in Uttarkashi district from Agra on Sunday morning with personnel, technicians, and relief material for conducting rescue and relief operations.
Aiming to fasten rescue and relief operations, Uttarakhand State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) authorities have prepared a detailed action plan to conduct search and rescue operations by coordinating with other agencies in the disaster-hit Dharali area of Uttarkashi district.
Meanwhile, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami made an announcement for the rehabilitation and relief of people affected by the recent disasters in Uttarkashi.
After the devastating flash-floods that hit Dharali and Harsil, 816 civilians have been rescued by the Indian Army, ITBP, NDRF, and SDRF till Saturday, according to a release.
Relief and rescue efforts continue in flood-hit Dharali and Harshil, where nearly 400 people were evacuated Wednesday and 75 more rescued so far today, with a target of 300. Uttarkashi DM Prashant Arya said one body has been recovered and 49 people remain missing.