Three people were killed and more than 100 people were taken to safe places in floods at different places due to heavy rains in Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir. The officers provided this information.
Officials said that due to continuous rains, there were incidents of landslides and soil collapse at about a dozen places between Nashri and Banihal on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, which stopped the traffic.
He said that three people died after a cloudburst in Seeri Bagna village of Ramban. Two of the dead have been identified as Aqib Ahmed and Mohammad Saqib. They were both brothers.
He informed that rescue operations are going on in the village.
With the death of these three people, the death toll in the last two days in Jammu region has increased to five. Earlier, two people, including a woman, were killed and another woman was injured in lightning in Aranas area of Reasi district late on Saturday night.
Officials said that about 40 houses were damaged due to sudden floods in Dharma Kund village. He said that 10 houses were completely damaged and the rest suffered partial damage.
Officials said the policemen reached the spot despite the cloudburst and incessant rains and rescued more than 100 trapped villagers.
He said that many vehicles were washed away due to the rise of a reservoir.
A senior government official said that heavy rains, cloudburst, strong winds, landslides and hailstorm have caused heavy losses in the entire district.
The official said, “We are monitoring the situation and later (of loss) will be assessed so that the affected people can be assisted.” At this time our priority is to save the lives of people. ”
A spokesperson of the traffic department said that due to landslides, soil collapse and stone falling incidents between Nashri and Banihal, the movement of vehicles on both sides has been stopped on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.
He said that rain is going on on the highway and people have been advised not to travel on the main road till the weather improves and until the road is cleaned.
Officials said that hundreds of passengers were trapped on it due to the closure of the 250 km long highway. This is the only road connecting Kashmir to the rest of the country.
Officials said that a part of the road has also been washed away near Panthiyal. He informed that all the stranded people have been evacuated to safe places.
He said that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has later called a meeting to assess the situation.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh took prompt action and appreciated the district administration led by Deputy Commissioner Basir ul Haq Chaudhary to save the lives of the people.
He wrote on the social media platform ‘X’, “The Ramban area including the areas around Ramban city took place overnight, landslides occurred in many places and strong winds. The national highway has been blocked, unfortunately three people have been killed and some families have lost property. ”
He said, “I am in constant touch with the Deputy Commissioner. The district administration deserves praise for timely and quick action, which helped to save many precious lives. ‘
MP from Udhampur Singh said that all relief is being provided including financial help.
Singh said, “The Deputy Commissioner has been told that more assistance can be provided from the MP’s personal resources if needed. I request that you do not panic. We will all deal together with this natural disaster. ”
