Ramban

A devastating landslide triggered by incessant rainfall and hailstorms struck Ramban district on Sunday, claiming the lives of three people, including two children, and causing extensive damage to over 200 houses, shops, and vehicles. The incident followed heavy rains and cloudbursts that also led to flash floods and the closure of several sections of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44).

Locals, reeling from the destruction, have made heartfelt appeals to the government for immediate relief and rehabilitation. Shopkeepers lamented the loss of their only source of livelihood, as the entire market was swept away during the early morning hours. "There is nothing left. These shops were all we had,” said Ravi Kumar, a local. Another resident, Pradeep Singh Raju, urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Home Minister Amit Shah to provide compensation and support for rebuilding lives.

The Deputy Commissioner of Ramban, Baseer-Ul-Haq Chaudhary, confirmed the deaths and the damage to property, stating that the worst-hit areas included Bagahana village and Ramban town. “Two houses collapsed due to the landslide in Bagahana, leading to the deaths. Rescue operations are underway with NDRF and local teams on the ground,” he said.

Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Chaudhary visited the affected areas to assess the damage, while PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah both expressed deep sorrow. Mufti called for immediate evacuation and long-term preventive measures, while Abdullah assured that restoration and relief efforts were in progress, urging people to follow safety advisories.

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Authorities have advised against travel on NH-44 until weather conditions stabilize and clearance operations are completed.