Daijiworld Media Network- Ramban
Ramban, Apr 20: Torrential rains accompanied by cloudbursts and flash floods wreaked widespread destruction across parts of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, claiming at least three lives in Ramban district and leaving hundreds stranded as landslides battered the region.
According to officials, a deadly cloudburst struck Seri Bagna village in Ramban during the early hours, leading to the tragic deaths of three individuals, including brothers Aqib Ahmad and Mohd Saqib. Rescue operations were still underway at the site at the time of reporting.
This incident has brought the total number of rain-related fatalities in Jammu region to five within 48 hours. On Saturday, two people, including a woman, lost their lives after being struck by lightning in Reasi district's Arnas area.
Massive infrastructural damage was reported as flash floods ravaged Dharam Kund village, damaging around 40 homes—10 of which were completely destroyed. Several vehicles were also swept away as an overflowing stream inundated nearby settlements.
More than 100 villagers were rescued by local police and disaster response teams who braved ongoing rainfall, cloudbursts and treacherous terrain to reach the stranded residents.
Landslides and mudslides struck nearly a dozen locations along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway—an essential all-weather artery linking Kashmir to the rest of the country. The highway was closed to traffic from both directions, leaving hundreds of commuters stranded across its 250-kilometre stretch. Officials confirmed that a section near Panthiyal was washed away by floodwaters.
A senior district official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the damage in Ramban was extensive. “We are monitoring the situation continuously. Right now, saving lives is our top priority. A detailed damage assessment will follow,” the official added.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was expected to hold a high-level review meeting later in the day to assess the ongoing crisis.
Union Minister and Udhampur MP Dr. Jitendra Singh, in a statement on X, lauded the Ramban district administration led by Deputy Commissioner Baseer-ul-Haq Chaudhary for swift and effective rescue efforts.
“There was a heavy hailstorm, multiple landslides, and high-velocity winds throughout the night. While the loss of lives and property is unfortunate, the timely response of the district team helped avert a larger tragedy,” Singh said.
He further assured that all necessary assistance—both financial and logistical—would be extended to the affected families. “If the need arises, I’m ready to offer support from my personal resources. I urge everyone to stay calm—we will overcome this calamity together,” he said.