National Highway Blocked, Schools Shut As Flash Floods And Landslides Wreak Havoc In J-K, Leave 3 Dead

Heavy rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir led to flash floods and landslides, resulting in three deaths and widespread damage. Traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway was suspended as a result.

By : ABP Live News | Updated at : 20 Apr 2025 10:55 PM (IST)

Ramban: Vehicles stuck in the debris after heavy rain triggered flash floods, in Ramban district of J&K, Sunday, April 20, 2025. At least three people were killed and more than 100 rescued after the incessant rain also triggered landslides and mudslides, according to officials.
Source : PTI

Intense overnight rainfall triggered devastating flash floods and landslides across Jammu and Kashmir’s Ramban district early Sunday, leading to the deaths of three persons and widespread damage to infrastructure, officials confirmed. The calamity, worsened by hailstorms and high-velocity winds, resulted in the suspension of traffic on the strategic Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and left hundreds of commuters stranded.

"In light of the continuing severe weather conditions and forecasts, it has been decided that classwork in all schools of the valley shall remain suspended for one day tomorrow (21st April). This decision has been taken as a precautionary step to ensure the safety and well-being of all students," J&K Minister of School and Higher Education, Sakina Itoo, posted on X.

According to news agency PTI, a cloudburst struck Seri Bagna village, killing three individuals, including brothers Aqib Ahmad and Mohd Saqib. Rescue operations were still ongoing at the time of the last update. With these fatalities, the region has reported five rain-related deaths in the last two days. On Saturday, two persons, including a woman, died after being struck by lightning in Reasi district’s Arnas area.

In Dharamkund village near the Chenab River, a flash flood caused by the overflowing of a nearby stream damaged about 40 residential houses, officials said, as per PTI. More than 100 people were rescued from the village, despite continuous downpours, by police personnel, they said.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ramban, Kulbir Singh, confirmed that three people, including two children, died after a house collapsed in Bagna village due to heavy rain. The deceased were identified as Mohd Aqib (14), Mohd Sakib (9), and Mohan Singh (75), all residents of Bagna Panchayat. “More than 100 people have been rescued so far and shifted to safer locations, Singh said, as per India Today.

Videos from affected areas showed mud-filled waters flooding homes, collapsed structures, and vehicles buried under debris.

Women and children were seen being escorted to safety as water levels continued to rise. Several shops, two hotels, and multiple residential buildings also suffered damage across the district.

Jammu-Srinagar National Highway Blocked Amid Landslides

Vehicular movement on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway remained suspended from both ends due to landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones at nearly a dozen spots between Nashri and Banihal, PTI reported officials as informing.

SSP Traffic National Highway (Ramban), Raja Adil Hamid Ganaie, said clearance work would begin once weather conditions improved. A stretch of the road near Panthiyal was reportedly swept away, though all stranded commuters were safely evacuated, India Today reported.

J-K CM Omar Abdullah Urges People To Follow Travel Advisories, Deputy CM Visits Affected Areas

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and said, “We are closely monitoring the situation, and I will be reviewing restoration and rehabilitation measures later today.” He urged citizens to adhere to travel advisories and avoid movement in vulnerable areas.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said all possible assistance was being extended to the affected families, adding, “The district administration, State Disaster Response Force and rescue teams were on the job to ensure swift relief.”

Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, who visited the affected areas with NC MLAs Arjun Singh Raju (Ramban) and Sajad Shaheen (Banihal), stated, “The situation is bad… on my return I will submit my report to the Chief Minister.” He added that a detailed report would be sought from the deputy commissioner and efforts would be made to compensate affected families.

Union Minister and Udhampur MP Jitendra Singh also acknowledged the severity of the disaster. In a post on X, he said, “There was a heavy hailstorm, multiple landslides and fast winds throughout the night in the Ramban region… The National Highway stands blocked and unfortunately, there have been three casualties and loss of property for a couple of families.” He appreciated the prompt response of the district administration led by Deputy Commissioner Baseer-ul-Haq Chaudhary and added, “If need be, whatever more is required can be provided from my personal resources as well. The request is not to panic — we shall all, together, overcome this natural calamity.”

He also lauded the Army's role in assisting the local population and wrote, “In the aftermath of the torrential hailstorm yesterday, while the district administration team led by energetic DC Mr Baseer Haq has been commendably on the job since last night, it is time also to acknowledge and thank the Indian Army for their timely assistance, which played a crucial role in providing relief to the local population. I feel gratified to inform that the Army has set up medical aid camps, distributed essential medicines and ensured access to food and clean drinking water. They have also made special arrangements for tea and basic meals for the affected population.”

Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner of Ramban announced on social media, “In view of inclement weather and heavy rain causing flash floods, all Government and Private Schools, Colleges and Technical Education Institutions of district Ramban shall remain closed on 21.04.2025. Stay indoors, stay safe!”

NC leader Farooq Abdullah said extensive damage had been reported in Ramban and Banihal. “The government is rushing its ministers to the affected areas and we will also request the Centre for financial assistance so that adequate relief is given to the people hit by the disaster,” he said.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation as rescue efforts persist and restoration work is expected to begin once conditions allow.

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Published at : 20 Apr 2025 10:16 PM (IST)
Tags :
Omar Abdullah Flash Floods Ramban Jammu Srinagar National Highway Jammu Kashmir Landslides Landslide Jammu Kashmir Jammu Kashmir Flash Floods Manoj Singa

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