J&K Flash Floods & Landslides: 3 Dead, 100 Rescued

Torrential rains over the past two days have triggered flash floods, landslides, and mudslides across parts of Jammu and Kashmir, leaving three people dead and over 100 others rescued in Ramban district alone. The strategic Jammu-Srinagar National Highway—considered the lifeline to the Valley—has been completely shut due to debris and landslides at multiple locations between Nashri and Banihal.

Among the casualties are two brothers, Aqib Ahmad and Mohd Saqib, who lost their lives following a cloudburst in Seri Bagna village of Ramban. With these, the death toll from rain-related incidents in the Jammu region over the last 48 hours has climbed to five. Earlier, two people, including a woman, were killed and another injured by lightning in Reasi district’s Arnas area.

In Ramban’s Dharamkund village, heavy rainfall and a flash flood damaged approximately 40 homes—10 of which were completely destroyed. Rescue operations were launched immediately, with police personnel braving difficult weather conditions to rescue more than 100 trapped villagers. Several vehicles were swept away by overflowing streams, and uprooted trees blocked roads and knocked out power lines in several areas.

Visuals from the region show trucks stranded, vehicles buried under debris, and widespread infrastructural damage. A section of the highway near Panthiyal was also washed away. Hundreds of commuters have been left stranded on the 250-kilometre highway that connects Kashmir to the rest of India. Authorities have advised travellers to avoid the route until conditions improve and road clearance is completed.

A spokesperson from the traffic department confirmed that traffic was halted in both directions due to landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) attributed the intense spell to an active western disturbance, which brought hailstorms, strong winds, and continuous rainfall to the region.

In Udhampur, former Sarpanch of Sateni Panchayat, Parshottam Gupta, highlighted the extensive damage caused by the storm, stating that the area had not witnessed such powerful winds in nearly five years.

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh acknowledged the widespread devastation in Ramban, commending the quick response by the district administration led by Deputy Commissioner Baseer-ul-Haq Chaudhary. “The district administration deserves appreciation for its prompt action which helped save several lives,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter), assuring that financial and other forms of assistance were being extended. He also pledged personal support if required.

“A detailed damage assessment will follow, but the immediate focus is on safeguarding lives,” said a senior official, requesting anonymity.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has reportedly convened a high-level meeting to assess the situation and coordinate further relief efforts.

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