Ramban, J&K (Rajeev Sharma): A cloudburst struck Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, leaving three people dead and several missing, while dozens of homes and structures suffered damage. The incident added to the woes of residents already grappling with heavy rainfall across the region this week.
According to officials, at least five individuals remain unaccounted for as rescue teams, assisted by locals, continue searching through debris and flood-hit areas. Ramban, located on the crucial Jammu–Srinagar corridor, has seen traffic come to a standstill after parts of the NH-44 highway caved in or were blocked by landslides.
Deputy Commissioner Ashok Kumar Sharma said restoration work was being carried out on a war footing. “The national highway is closed right now, but efforts are being made to reopen it at the earliest. Mughal Road has been kept operational for vehicles carrying essential goods,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department has sounded warnings across multiple districts. A yellow alert for thunderstorms has been issued in Rajouri, Reasi, Poonch, Udhampur, and Kishtwar, while an orange alert for heavier rainfall covers Ramban, Jammu, and surrounding areas over the weekend.
The administration has also ordered all schools in the Jammu division, both government and private, to remain closed until August 30. Education authorities have suggested online teaching for Classes 9 to 12, wherever feasible, to ensure minimal disruption.
Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reviewed the situation and expressed concern that the region’s fragile infrastructure continues to buckle under spells of heavy rain. Drawing comparisons to the catastrophic 2014 floods, Abdullah said, “Had the downpour continued for another day or two, the damage could have been on a much larger scale. We cannot afford to remain unprepared for such recurring threats.”
With the weather office predicting more rainfall, district administrations have been directed to stay on alert. Relief operations are ongoing as rescue workers race against time to reach cut-off areas and provide aid to those stranded.
