Three people died in a natural calamity while more than 100 people have been rescued in Ramban district.
An official told that since last night, heavy rains lashed the district, and the situation has worsened in Ramban district due to a cloudburst and flash flood-like conditions. “Two hotels, shops, and some houses have suffered damage. The National Highway is closed at multiple locations.”
Three people, including two children, died due to a house collapse in Bagna after continuous rains, he said, adding that a rescue operation is underway and more than 100 people have been rescued and shifted to safer locations.
He added that rains are continuing, and restoration work will be started once the weather condition improves.
Meanwhile in a post on X, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said 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 3 casualties and loss of property for a couple of families,” he said.
Singh said that he is in constant touch with Deputy Commissioner Mr Baseer-ul-Haq Chaudhary. The district administration deserves appreciation for timely and prompt action, which helped save several precious lives.
Every kind of relief, both financial and otherwise, is being provided. The DC has been conveyed that, if need be, whatever more is required, can be provided from MP’s personal resources as well,” he said.
Singh said that the request is not to panic. We shall all, together, overcome this natural calamity.
Meanwhile, SSP Traffic National Highway (Ramban), Raja Adil Hamid Ganaie, told that rains are ongoing, and the highway is blocked at five locations due to landslides and shooting stones. “I am also at the spot where the damage has occurred. Once the rains stop, the restoration work will be started.”
Asked about damage to vehicles on the highway, he said all passengers are safe, though some light vehicles have suffered damage
On the other side farmers have expressed deep concern over the widespread damage caused by recent hailstorm which severely impacted orchards and farmlands in several areas of northern parts of Kashmir. The hailstorm, which struck various areas on Saturday evening and continued today, has severely damaged the blooming flowers in orchards, particularly in the apple-rich belt of Shopian
According to reports, moderate snowfall was recorded in several higher-altitude areas of North Kashmir, including Tulail and Gurez in Bandipora district. The fresh snow accumulation forced the closure of key roads and prompted authorities to suspend school classes as a precautionary measure.
The Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for the Kashmir Valley, warning of continued erratic weather conditions until April 21. Officials have advised the public, especially those in higher altitudes, to avoid unnecessary travel and take safety precautions.