Five feared dead in J&K as cloudbursts, landslides damage property, highways

Vehicular movement on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway was stopped from both sides due to landslides, mudslides and shooting stones at multiple places between Nashri and Banihal

Jammu and Kashmir grappled with the trail of destruction left behind by freaky weather over the weekend, with five people feared dead and hundreds more left stranded and needing rescue. Scores of vehicles were either pushed into deep gorges or buried under the unprecedented landslides that hit J&K’s Ramban district.

“Lightning struck Jamedi village, Arnas, in Reasi (on Sunday [April 20, 2025]). It left two locals dead. Around 40 cattle perished in the lightning,” Gujjar leader Talib Hussian said.

In a separate case, three people, including two children, died due to a house collapse in Bagna, Ramban, officials said. The J&K government has not issued any official toll of the number of people dead or injured due to cloudbursts and landslides in J&K.

Freaky weather

Parts of J&K witnessed freaky weather over a 48-hour-period, marked by lightning, gusty winds, hailstorms, and snowfall. Apple orchards in north and south Kashmir bore the brunt of hailstorms. Meanwhile, cloudbursts and flash floods triggered landslides on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway at Ramban, resulting in blockades at five places. 

The debris of the landslides damaged houses, shops, and the highway itself. Scores of vehicles were damaged and remain buried under the debris on the highway in Ramban. Dozens of commuters also remained stranded on the highway that connects the Kashmir valley with the Jammu division.  

“More than 100 people have been rescued in Ramban district,” Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Ramban, Kulbir Singh told reporters.

Rescue and relief

J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said he was extremely anguished by the tragic landslides and flash floods in Ramban, “which have caused considerable damage to life and property”. 

“We are in touch with the local administration to ensure immediate rescue efforts wherever needed. Later today, I will be reviewing restoration, relief, and repair plans. For now, the focus remains on managing the situation on the ground. Citizens are advised to follow travel advisories and avoid non-essential movement in vulnerable areas,” Mr. Abdullah said.

Union Minister and BJP Member of Parliament from Udhampur, Jitendra Singh, posted on X: “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.”

The MP said he was in “constant touch with Deputy Commissioner Baseer-ul-Haq Chaudhary”. The district administration deserves appreciation for timely and prompt action, which helped save several precious lives, he said, adding that every kind of relief, both financial and otherwise, is being provided. The DC has been told that whatever more is required can be provided from the MP’s personal resources as well. “The request is not to panic. We shall all together overcome this natural calamity,” Mr. Singh said.

More bad weather forecast

The India Meteorological Department’s centre in Srinagar issued a fresh weather advisory regarding an active Western Disturbance expected to affect J&K from April 20, with improvement expected from April 22. It warned of thunderstorms, lightning, hailstorm and gusty winds, especially across the Pir Panjal Range, Jammu Division, and the middle and higher reaches of Kashmir Division.

It urged the public to avoid visiting riverbanks, streams, and other water bodies. “Do not travel to higher reaches unless absolutely necessary. Secure loose items and avoid taking shelter under trees during thunderstorms. Farmers are advised to take necessary precautions to protect crops and livestock,” it added.

In view of the inclement weather and heavy rain, causing flash floods, all government and private schools, colleges and technical education institutions in Ramban district will remain closed on April 21, officials said.

Published - April 20, 2025 11:54 am IST