Three people were killed and over 100 rescued after heavy rainfall triggered flash floods, landslides, and cloudbursts in Jammu and Kashmir's Ramban district early on Sunday, April 20, 2025. The chaos began in the morning when a cloudburst struck the Seri Bagna area, leading to the tragic deaths of three residents, including two brothers, Aqib Ahmad and Mohd Saqib.
According to Deputy Commissioner Ramban, Baseer Ul Haq, continuous rainfall throughout the night had already created hazardous conditions, resulting in landslides and flash floods that damaged numerous properties and vehicles along the crucial Jammu-Srinagar Highway. "The rain was continuing along the highway, and commuters were advised not to travel on the arterial road until the weather improved and the road was cleared," he stated.
Rescue operations were initiated immediately, with police teams working tirelessly despite the ongoing downpour. Over 100 individuals were safely evacuated from Dharam Kund village, where the flash flood caused significant destruction, damaging approximately 40 residential houses. Ten of these homes were completely washed away, leaving many families displaced.
Visuals from the region displayed debris strewn across roads, with several vehicles submerged or partially collapsed under mud and rubble. The landslides and mudslides occurred at nearly a dozen locations between Nashri and Banihal, effectively halting all vehicular movement on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44). Hundreds of vehicles were left stranded as stretches of the highway became impassable, particularly a section near Panthiyal that was swept away.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed his condolences, stating, "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." He assured that the administration would actively work to manage the crisis and planned to review restoration and relief efforts later in the day.
As rescue teams continued their efforts, the situation remained precarious. A senior government official confirmed that the district had experienced massive damage due to the relentless rain, cloudbursts, high-velocity winds, and landslides. The immediate priority was to protect lives and provide swift assistance to those in need.
In addition to the fatalities in Ramban, two other individuals were killed in a separate incident in Reasi’s Arnas area due to lightning strikes, bringing the total rain-related death toll in the Jammu region to five in just 48 hours. Authorities were on high alert, monitoring the weather and ready to respond to any further emergencies.
Union minister and Udhampur MP Jitendra Singh praised the swift response of the Ramban district administration, led by Deputy Commissioner Baseer-ul-Haq Chaudhary. He highlighted the challenging weather conditions and assured that relief efforts, including financial support, were being extended. Singh stated, "The district administration deserves appreciation for timely and prompt action, which helped save several precious lives," urging the public to remain calm and follow safety advisories.
As the situation unfolded, citizens were advised to stay alert and adhere to travel advisories, especially in vulnerable areas. The public was reminded to avoid non-essential movement and to contact the 24x7 District Control Room for emergencies.
The relentless rain that caused such devastation in Ramban is a stark reminder of the region's vulnerability to natural disasters. As authorities continue to assess the damage and provide relief, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of the affected residents.
In summary, the flash floods and landslides in Ramban have prompted urgent rescue operations, with over 100 people rescued and significant damage reported across the district. The community is rallying together as officials work to restore normalcy in the aftermath of this tragic event.
