Jammu: Heavy rains have wreaked havoc in several areas of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in Ramban and Reasi districts, where at least five people have been killed in the past 24 hours. Hundreds of others were also displaced and trapped in the region when rainfall caused landslides and flash floods, disrupting road connectivity.
Three deaths have occurred in Ramban alone when a cloudburst hit the Seri Bagna village, leading to landslides. Two brothers, Aqib Ahmad and Mohd Saqib, are among the deceased. In the Reasi district, two people, including a woman, died after they were struck by lightning in the Arnas area on Saturday.
According to officials, dozens of residential houses were damaged after a flash flood hit the Dharamkund village of Ramban. “More than 100 trapped villagers were rescued by police and were shifted to safer places. Several vehicles were also swept away in the flood caused by a stream overflowing,” they said.
The landslide also hit the Shan Palace area of Ramban following heavy downpour. Several people and vehicles were feared trapped under the debris of damaged structures. Some locals also took shelter on rooftops amid the flood-like situation.
Following the latest casualties in Ramban caused by rain accompanied by hailstorms, strong winds and lightning, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed grief over the loss of lives.
“Extremely anguished by the tragic landslide and flash flood in Ramban, which have caused considerable damage to life and property. My thoughts are with the affected families in this difficult hour,” he posted on X. “We are in touch with the local administration to ensure immediate rescue efforts wherever needed,” he said.
Extremely anguished by the tragic landslide and flash flood in Ramban, which have caused considerable damage to life and property. My thoughts are with the affected families in this difficult hour. We are in touch with the local administration to ensure immediate rescue efforts…
— Office of Chief Minister, J&K (@CM_JnK) April 20, 2025
Abdullah is also scheduled to convene a review meeting for restoration, relief, and repair plans. “For now, the focus remains on managing the situation on the ground. Citizens are advised to follow travel advisories and avoid non-essential movement in vulnerable areas,” he adds.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh also instructed the district administration to remain alert and provide all necessary relief, rescue and financial support.
He said that he was in constant touch with the Deputy Commissioner, Baseer-ul-Haq Chaudhary and assured that both financial and other support is being provided. “Every kind of relief, both financial and otherwise, is being provided. The DC has been conveyed that, if need be, whatever more is required can be provided from the MP’s personal resources as well. The request is not to panic. We shall all, together, overcome this natural calamity (sic),” Singh posted on X.
The Congress Party also expressed sadness over the loss of lives in the Ramban district. "Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families of the individuals who lost their lives in this unfortunate incident," J&K Congress posted on X.
We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives due to the cloudburst, flash floods & landslide in Ramban district, Jammu and Kashmir, this Sunday morning. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families of the individuals who lost their lives in this unfortunate incident. pic.twitter.com/TWVLaHGpRS
— J&K Congress (@INCJammuKashmir) April 20, 2025
Meanwhile, Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ramban Kulbir Singh claimed that the three people, including two children, were killed due to a house collapse in the Bagna area after continuous rains. “More than 100 people have been rescued and shifted to safer locations. It was halted due to continuous rains and will resume once the weather improves,” he said.
“Two hotels, shops, and some houses have suffered damage. The National Highway is closed at multiple locations,” he said.
SSP Traffic National Highway (Ramban), Raja Adil Hamid Ganaie, said that rains are ongoing, and the highway is blocked at five locations due to landslides and shooting stones. “I am also at the spot where the damage has occurred. Once the rains stop, the restoration work will be started,” he said.
Fresh Weather Advisory
According to the latest weather advisory by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), several parts of Jammu and Kashmir will witness light to moderate rains with gusty winds in the next 4-6 hours.
“Light to moderate rain (intense showers at a few places for a short period) with thunder/lightning/gusty winds at many places in J&K for the next 4-6 hours,” the IMD official informed.
It advised people not to venture into water bodies or stay near loose structures and landslide-prone areas. They further advised people to stay away from boating and Shikara riding in Dal Lake and other water bodies.
The IMD also issued an advisory for travellers and farmers, asking them to desist from travelling to vulnerable places and spraying pesticides in orchards.
“All concerned are advised to plan accordingly & follow the Admin/Traffic advisory. Farmers are advised to suspend farm operations till 21st April,” it said.
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