Three Dead, Including Two Children, After Cloudburst Triggers Landslides in J&K’s Ramban District
*Ramban, April 20* — At least three people, including two children, lost their lives after a cloudburst struck Bhagna village near the Seri Bagna area in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ramban district early Sunday morning. The torrential downpour also triggered flash floods and massive landslides, causing significant damage to life and property in the region.
The cloudburst, which occurred in the early hours, led to a surge of water and debris that engulfed several homes, leaving behind a trail of destruction. The incident has sparked a large-scale emergency response effort from the local administration and disaster response teams.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote, “Extremely anguished by the tragic landslide and flash flood in Ramban, which have caused considerable damage to life and property. My thoughts are with the affected families in this difficult hour. We are in touch with the local administration to ensure immediate rescue efforts wherever needed.”
CM Abdullah added that he would be reviewing restoration, relief, and repair plans later in the day, and urged the public to adhere to travel advisories. “For now, the focus remains on managing the situation on the ground,” he stated.
The unprecedented weather conditions have also severely disrupted vehicular movement on the strategic Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. According to visuals shared by news agency ANI, multiple landslides have blocked key stretches of the highway, stranding hundreds of commuters.
Union Minister and BJP MP from Udhampur, Jitendra Singh, also took to X to update the public on the situation. He reported heavy hailstorms, strong winds, and multiple landslides throughout the Ramban region, including areas close to Ramban town. “The National Highway stands blocked and unfortunately there have been 3 casualties and loss of property for a couple of families,” Singh posted.
Singh praised the swift response of the district administration, led by Deputy Commissioner Baseer-ul-Haq Chaudhary, for their timely action in saving lives. He further stated that additional support, if required, would be made available from his personal resources and urged citizens to remain calm. “We shall all, together, overcome this natural calamity,” he affirmed.
Rescue and relief operations are currently underway, with authorities focusing on clearing debris, restoring connectivity, and providing shelter to those displaced.
