J-K: 3 killed as flash floods wreak havoc in Ramban; Jammu-Srinagar highway shut
The natural calamity, accompanied by landslides, hailstorms, and fierce winds, caused extensive damage to property and infrastructure, displacing dozens of families
Three people were killed and more than 100 rescued after heavy rain triggered flash floods at different places in Jammu and Kashmir's Ramban district early on Sunday, officials said.
The incessant rain also triggered landslides and mudslides at nearly a dozen places between Nashri and Banihal along the strategic Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, prompting traffic to be suspended, they said.
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The officials said a cloudburst struck the Seri Bagna village of Ramban, resulting in the deaths of three persons, including brothers Aqib Ahmad and Mohd Saqib. The rescue operation in the village was continuing when the last reports were received, they said.
Trail of destruction
With the latest fatalities, five people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents in the Jammu region in two days. Two people, including a woman, were killed and another woman injured when they were struck by lightning in the Arnas area of Reasi district late on Saturday.
The natural calamity, accompanied by landslides, hailstorms, and fierce winds, caused extensive damage to property and infrastructure, displacing dozens of families and blocking the national highway at multiple locations.
The officials said about 40 residential houses were damaged after a flash flood hit Dharam Kund village. Ten houses were fully damaged while the rest suffered partial damage.
Saving lives priority
More than 100 trapped villagers were rescued by police personnel who rushed to the spot despite the continuous downpour and cloudbursts, they said and added several vehicles were swept away in the flood caused by a stream overflowing.
“We are monitoring the situation and an assessment will be carried out later to provide assistance to the affected population. Our priority at the moment is to safeguard lives,” said the senior official, wishing not to be named.
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A traffic department spokesperson said vehicular movement on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway was stopped from both sides due to landslides, mudslides and shooting stones at multiple places between Nashri and Banihal.
Commuters stranded
He said the rain was continuing along the highway and commuters were advised not to travel on the arterial road till the weather improved and the road cleared.
The officials said hundreds of commuters were left stranded on the 250-kilometre highway, the only all-weather road linking Kashmir with the rest of the country, following its closure.
A stretch of the road near Panthiyal was also swept away, the officials said and added all the stranded people were moved to safety.
CM condoles deaths
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed deep sorrow over the tragic landslide and flash floods in Ramban, which have led to significant loss of life and property. Extending his condolences to the affected families, he assured that the government is in constant coordination with local authorities to ensure prompt rescue and relief operations.
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“We are closely monitoring the situation, and I will be reviewing restoration and rehabilitation measures later today,” said the chief minister, urging citizens to adhere to travel advisories and avoid unnecessary movement in vulnerable areas as immediate efforts focus on ground-level crisis management.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh, who is also Udhampur MP, said, “I am in constant touch with the deputy commissioner. Every kind of relief -- both financial and otherwise -- was being provided. The deputy commissioner has been conveyed that, if need be, whatever more is required, can be provided from the MP’s personal resources as well.”
(With agency inputs)