A devastating spell of heavy rainfall has wreaked havoc across Jammu and Kashmir, triggering landslides and flash floods that led to the tragic death of three people. The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway—considered the Valley’s lifeline—has been completely shut, leaving several trucks stranded and vehicles buried under debris. The worst-hit region appears to be Ramban, where uprooted trees, power cuts, and blocked roads have paralyzed daily life. The sudden downpour, accompanied by strong winds, struck on Thursday, overwhelming the region’s infrastructure and causing widespread panic.
Parshottam Gupta, the former Sarpanch of Sateni Panchayat in Udhampur, reported significant destruction in his locality. “There are trees scattered everywhere, electricity poles down, and roads completely blocked. After several years, such intense winds and rain have hit us,” he shared. The meteorological department attributes the severe weather conditions to an active western disturbance, warning that further instability may follow. In Ramban’s Dharam Kund village alone, around 40 houses were damaged, prompting a large-scale rescue operation in which over 100 trapped villagers were safely evacuated by police teams.
Officials have confirmed that landslides and mudslides have occurred at nearly a dozen locations between Nashri and Banihal, forcing a complete halt of traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar highway. A spokesperson for the traffic department advised commuters to avoid travel on the highway until conditions improve and the road is cleared. Continuous shooting stones in the region have also heightened the risk for rescue teams working tirelessly to reopen the vital route. As the region grapples with the aftermath, authorities remain on high alert, bracing for further disruptions.
