- 3 dead and over 100 rescued after heavy rains and cloudbursts in Ramban district.
- Jammu-Srinagar National Highway blocked due to multiple landslides and mudslides.
- 40 homes damaged, vehicles swept away, and trees uprooted as power cuts hit several areas.
Severe weather struck Jammu & Kashmir as an active western disturbance brought intense rainfall, leading to flash floods and landslides. The Ramban district was among the hardest hit, with Dharam Kund village witnessing the destruction of approximately 40 houses.
Meanwhile, the strategic Jammu-Srinagar National Highway has been completely blocked, halting movement between the two regions. Landslides, shooting stones, and mudslides were reported at multiple locations including Nashri and Banihal.
Ramban Flash Floods Wreak Havoc in Jammu & Kashmir, Key Highway Cut Off
The flash floods were preceded by sudden, violent winds that uprooted trees and brought down power lines across the affected areas. Former Sarpanch Parshottam Gupta from Udhampur confirmed that this level of damage hasn’t been seen in nearly five years. Both public infrastructure and private property bore the brunt.
In several areas, visuals show trucks stranded and vehicles partially buried under debris. The cloudburst led to overflowing streams, which swept away parked vehicles and cut off access to many homes and villages. Residents reported a lack of immediate relief due to blocked routes and poor visibility.
The meteorological department has attributed the sudden storm activity to a strong western disturbance. With more rain expected in the region, authorities are on high alert. They have deployed disaster response teams to monitor vulnerable zones.
The Jammu-Srinagar highway serves as the lifeline of the Valley. Its closure has major implications for transportation, supplies, and medical emergencies. Efforts are underway to clear the route. However, frequent stonefalls and unstable slopes continue to pose a serious challenge.
This natural calamity highlights the fragility of mountain infrastructure in the face of extreme weather. It emphasizes the urgent need for better disaster preparedness in the region.
“In the face of nature’s fury, preparedness is our only armor.” — Anonymous
