Flash Floods and Landslides in Ramban: Three Dead, Over 100 Rescued in Jammu and Kashmir
Heavy rains wreaked havoc across Jammu and Kashmir’s Ramban district early Sunday morning, triggering deadly flash floods and landslides that killed three people and left more than 100 residents stranded. Rescue teams, braving continuous downpours and difficult terrain, managed to pull dozens of people to safety as devastation spread across multiple areas.
Deaths and Widespread Destruction
A cloudburst in Seri Bagna village proved fatal, killing three people, including brothers Aqib Ahmad and Mohd Saqib. Officials reported that rescue efforts were still ongoing in the village, and more updates were awaited.
The death toll from rain-related incidents across the Jammu region has now reached five in just two days. On Saturday night, two more individuals — including a woman — died and another was injured after being struck by lightning in the Arnas area of Reasi district.
In Dharam Kund village of Ramban, about 40 residential houses were damaged due to sudden flash floods. Ten houses were fully destroyed, and many others suffered partial damage. The floodwaters, fed by an overflowing stream, swept away several vehicles.
Despite heavy rainfall and continuous threats from further cloudbursts, local police and emergency teams acted swiftly to rescue over 100 trapped villagers. “The teams showed extraordinary courage and commitment,” one official said.
National Highway Closed and Traffic Disrupted
Landslides and mudslides at nearly a dozen spots between Nashri and Banihal forced the complete suspension of traffic along the strategic Jammu-Srinagar National Highway — the only all-weather road connecting Kashmir with the rest of India. A part of the highway near Panthiyal was reportedly washed away.
“Vehicular movement has been stopped from both sides. Commuters are advised not to travel until the weather improves and the road is cleared,” said a spokesperson for the traffic department. Hundreds of travelers remain stranded along the 250-kilometre stretch.
Government Response and Relief Efforts
A senior government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said there had been “massive damage” throughout the district. “Cloudbursts, hailstorms, landslides, and high-speed winds have caused major destruction. Right now, our focus is to protect lives. Assessment and aid distribution will follow soon.”
Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called for an emergency meeting to assess the ongoing situation. Meanwhile, Union Minister Jitendra Singh praised the efforts of the Ramban district administration, led by Deputy Commissioner Baseer-ul-Haq Chaudhary.
“There was heavy hailstorm, multiple landslides, and strong winds throughout the night. The prompt response by the district administration saved several precious lives,” Singh said on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). He also offered further support from his own resources if necessary and urged the public not to panic.
Looking Ahead
As rescue efforts continue, authorities remain alert to the possibility of more rain and landslides. Relief camps are being set up for displaced residents, and road-clearing operations are underway. However, the full extent of damage will only be clear once the weather stabilizes.
The current crisis highlights the vulnerability of the mountainous region to extreme weather events and the urgent need for strengthened disaster preparedness across Jammu and Kashmir.
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