3 die as rain wreaks havoc in Ramban

Three persons were killed, over 100 rescued and scores of houses and roads damaged in Ramban district of Jammu division after heavy rain triggered landslides early this morning.

The vital Jammu-Srinagar National Highway was also closed due to mudslides.

A rescue operation was launched by the Disaster Response Force, the J&K Police, local NGOs and the Army as soon as information about a cloudburst was received.

A landslide, triggered by a flashflood in a nullah, hit the Bagna panchayat in Ramban, resulting in the death of three persons. They have been identified as Aqib Ahmed and Saqib Ahmed, both minors, and Muni Ram.

In another incident, two nomads, including a woman, were killed as lightning struck Jhameri village in Dhansal, Reasi district, late on Saturday. The weather was inclement for the past three days in the region. An alert in this regard had been issued by the Meteorological Department.

Ramban Deputy Commissioner Baseer-Ul-Haq Chaudhary and Senior Superintendent of Police Kulbir Singh monitored the rescue operations. The Deputy Commissioner directed rescue teams to prioritise saving precious lives by shifting them to safer places.

At least 40 houses were damaged due to heavy rain in Dharam Kund village in Ramban. Over 100 residents were rescued by the administration from the village and shifted to safer places. Ramban district witnessed heavy damage due to incessant rain and thunderstorm along with landslides.

Muck and pebbles that were washed away with rain blocked roads in many areas.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed grief over the loss of lives.

“Teams of the district administration and the SDRF are on the job to ensure swift rescue and relief. All possible assistance is being extended to the affected families,” the L-G said.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said, “I will review the relief and restoration plan. 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.”

Meanwhile, Union Minister and Udhampur MP Jitendra Singh said, “Heavy hailstorm lashed the Ramban region throughout the night. The National Highway is blocked. Three casualties have been reported and a couple of families have suffered loss of property.”

The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway was hit by landslides at multiple locations, blocking traffic on both sides. The authorities continued to clear the road till late this evening.

A traffic police official said the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, the Srinagar-Leh road and the Sinthan road were closed due to inclement weather. “However, Mughal Road is through for light motor vehicles from Poonch towards Shopian,” he said.

The Meteorological Centre, Srinagar, issued an alert asking the residents to stay away from water channels, loose structures and landslide-prone areas.

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