Jammu. (Indian administered Kashmir): A series of natural calamities struck Ramban district in Jammu & Kashmir, claiming the lives of three individuals, including two young children, and prompting a large-scale rescue operation. Over 100 people have been successfully relocated to safe areas as severe weather conditions, including heavy rainfall, cloudbursts, and flash floods, triggered widespread destruction.
According to Senior Superintendent of Jammu Kashmir Police (SSP) Kulbir Singh, the incessant rainfall caused a residential building to collapse in the Bignah area of Ramban, resulting in the tragic loss of three lives. The rescue efforts have been ongoing since last night, as the district battles adverse weather conditions that have also damaged local infrastructure. Several homes, two hotels, and numerous shops have sustained significant damage, Singh confirmed.
“The heavy rains have continued throughout the night, leading to flash floods in rivers and streams, and a considerable number of properties have been affected,” Singh said. “Our teams have managed to evacuate over 100 people from the danger zones, and we will continue the operation as long as the weather remains hazardous.”
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Local eyewitnesses reported that flash floods had inundated several low-lying areas, forcing authorities to launch a swift rescue operation. The situation in the upper hilly regions of Ramban worsened as additional cloudbursts occurred, further complicating efforts to rescue people trapped in the mountains.
Dr. Jitendra Singh, Indian Union Minister for State, took to X (formerly Twitter) to share an update on the situation. He confirmed the loss of three lives and extensive damage to property, while also mentioning that the National Highway had been blocked due to landslides and falling debris. Singh emphasized the prompt response from local authorities and expressed his gratitude for their swift and effective action, which helped save numerous lives.
“The National Highway is closed, and unfortunately, we have lost three precious lives. There has been considerable property damage as well,” Dr. Singh wrote. “However, I want to assure the public that we are in constant communication with the district development commissioner, and all necessary aid both financial and material – is being provided. We will not let this disaster overwhelm us, and we are determined to overcome this calamity together.”
Traffic on the National Highway has been severely affected, with five major locations reporting landslides and rockfalls. SSP Traffic, National Highway, Raja Adil Hameed Ganai, confirmed that rescue operations are underway and assured that the situation would be managed as soon as the weather permits. “I am personally on-site, and we will begin clearing the debris as soon as the rain subsides. All travelers are safe, although some light vehicles have sustained damage,” Ganai said.
The local authorities have urged residents to remain calm as they continue to assess the damage and conduct relief operations. The situation remains critical, and rescue teams are working tirelessly to ensure the safety of everyone affected.
The community and emergency responders continue to display resilience in the face of this natural disaster, and the district government has committed to providing further assistance as needed. Efforts to restore normalcy are expected to begin once the weather improves.
