Flash floods kill 3, leave trail of destruction

Ramban

At least three people lost their lives and over 100 were rescued after flash floods and cloudbursts hit various parts of Ramban district in Jammu and Kashmir early Sunday, officials said. The downpour led to landslides and mudslides at several points between Nashri and Banihal on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, forcing authorities to halt traffic.

A cloudburst in Seri Bagna village claimed the lives of Aqib Ahmad, his brother Mohd Saqib, and another person. Rescue operations continued into the day. The latest fatalities have pushed the death toll in rain-related incidents to five in two days across the region. Earlier, lightning strikes in Reasi’s Arnas area killed two, including a woman.

Flash floods in Dharam Kund damaged around 40 houses, 10 of which were completely destroyed. Despite ongoing rain and cloudbursts, police managed to rescue over 100 villagers. Several vehicles were also swept away by the overflowing stream.

“There was a heavy hailstorm, multiple landslides and fast winds throughout the night in the Ramban region... unfortunately there have been three casualties,” said Union Minister Jitendra Singh in a post on X. He praised the district administration for its timely response.

Vehicular movement on the key Jammu-Srinagar highway remains suspended. Officials reported that a portion of the road near Panthiyal was washed away. Stranded commuters have been moved to safer places.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is expected to hold a meeting to review the damage and relief measures, while the administration is focusing on rescue and relief efforts.