Jammu and Kashmir’s Ramban district was battered by heavy rain, flash floods, and landslides early Sunday, claiming three lives and leaving a trail of destruction across the region. More than 100 villagers were rescued from flood-hit areas as authorities scrambled to respond.

Cloudburst claims three lives in Ramban

Officials confirmed that a cloudburst struck Seri Bagna village in Ramban, killing three people, including two brothers — Aqib Ahmad and Mohd Saqib. Rescue operations were underway in the affected areas when last reports came in.

The fatalities take the death toll from rain-related incidents in the Jammu region to five within 48 hours. A day earlier, two people, including a woman, died after being struck by lightning in Reasi district’s Arnas area.

Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah’s office assured ongoing rescue operations, planned relief reviews, and urged citizens to follow travel advisories, prioritising safety and non-essential movement restrictions in vulnerable areas until conditions improve. 

“Extremely anguished by the tragic landslide and flash flood in Ramban, which have caused considerable damage to life and property… We are in touch with the local administration to ensure immediate rescue efforts wherever needed. Later today, I will be reviewing 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,” reads CMO’s post on X.

Flash floods damage homes, vehicles in Dharam Kund

Flash floods caused by torrential rain damaged around 40 homes in Dharam Kund village. Officials said 10 houses were completely destroyed, while others sustained partial damage. Several vehicles were swept away after a local stream overflowed.

Despite the difficult weather, police teams and emergency services managed to rescue over 100 trapped villagers from the flood-hit areas.

A senior government official said, “We are monitoring the situation and will assess losses later. Our immediate focus is on safeguarding lives.”

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Jammu-Srinagar highway blocked by landslides

The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH 44), the only all-weather road connecting Kashmir to the rest of India, was shut due to multiple landslides and mudslides between Nashri and Banihal.

A stretch near Panthiyal was also washed away. Hundreds of commuters were stranded, but authorities moved them to safety.

Deputy Traffic Inspector Javed Kataria stated, “The highway is completely blocked due to landslides and continuous rain. Clearance work is ongoing, but it may remain closed until evening or tomorrow.”

Union Minister Jitendra Singh lauded the Ramban administration’s prompt response, assuring continuous assistance and relief support.

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CRPF jawan injured in Srinagar tree collapse

Meanwhile in Srinagar, a CRPF jawan, Umesh Mishra, sustained minor injuries when a poplar tree unexpectedly fell on a security bunker at the Amar Singh Club premises.

“I was lying inside when suddenly bricks started falling on me. Luckily, I was the only one injured,” Mishra told ANI.

Amar Singh Club secretary Nasir Amid Khan termed the incident unexpected, noting that the tree showed no signs of weakness and also damaged part of the perimeter wall and entrance gate.

Meanwhile, officials urged residents to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel in vulnerable areas, and follow advisories until weather conditions stabilise.