Several vehicles and locals were feared trapped under debris after a landslide hit the Shan Palace area in Ward No 2 of Ramban district, Jammu and Kashmir, following heavy rains. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, LG Manoj Sinha and others have condoled loss of lives in the calamity.
Local police and hotel staff rushed to the spot and rescued those who were trapped. Visuals from the area showed several vehicles completely buried under mud, stones, and debris. The entrances of shops and a restaurant were also damaged.
Locals were seen standing on rooftops to assess the damage.
Earlier in the day, hailstorms and landslides caused severe damage in Udhampur. Union Minister and area MP Jitendra Singh said there were three casualties and some families suffered property loss.
As National Highway (NH) 44 remains blocked in the Ramban area, Singh said he is in contact with the Deputy Commissioner and relief is being provided to those affected.
“There was a heavy hailstorm, multiple landslides and fast winds throughout the night in the Ramban region, including the areas surrounding the Ramban town. The National Highway stands blocked, and unfortunately, there have been three casualties and loss of property for a couple of families. I am in constant touch with Deputy Commissioner Mr Baseer-ul-Haq Chaudhary,” Singh posted on X.
The Union Minister said that district officials have been asked to ensure proper relief and assistance. He also urged people not to panic amid the ongoing natural disaster.
Heavy rainfall in Udhampur on Saturday night led to more traffic blockages on NH-44 in the Ramban area.
In Jammu, strong winds caused part of the boundary wall of the Civil Secretariat to collapse, bringing down the barbed wire. Several parked vehicles were damaged. A JCB machine was deployed to clear the debris and reopen access to the area.
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday expressed anguish over the tragic landslide and flash floods in Ramban that have caused significant damage to life and property in the Union Territory.
Chief Minister Abdullah said that later in the day, he will be reviewing the restoration work. In a post on X, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister's office quoted CM Omar Abdullah, "Extremely anguished by the tragic landslide and flash flood in Ramban, which has 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.
He also extended his condolences to the affected families and assured that the local administration is working on rescue efforts.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has also expressed grief over the loss of lives due to flash-floods triggered by incessant rain in Ramban.
In a post on X, Mehbooba Mufti wrote, “The devastating landslides triggered by relentless rains along the Ramban section of the Jammu-Srinagar Highway have claimed lives, buried vehicles, and stranded many.”
“Urge the administration to prioritize the immediate evacuation of vulnerable groups—elderly, women, and children—while providing food, water, and medical aid. Swiftly clear debris, restore connectivity and implement long-term measures like early warning systems and infrastructure upgrades to prevent such tragedies.” she added.
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