J&K cloud burst: 3 dead, over 100 people rescued as heavy rain triggers flash flood, homes damaged, national highway blocked

NEW DELHI: Three people were killed and more than 100 rescued after heavy rain triggered flash floods at different places in Jammu and Kashmir's Ramban district early, officials said on Sunday.
Furthermore, landslides disrupted traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.
Around 40 residential houses sustained damage in the flash floods that struck the village. Several vehicles were also swept away by the overflowing stream.

Police personnel conducted rescue operations despite challenging conditions including continuous downpour and cloudbursts to save the trapped villagers.
Multiple landslides, mudslides and shooting stones between Nashri and Banihal sections forced authorities to suspend traffic movement on the strategic highway from both directions.

"The rain was continuing along the highway and commuters were advised not to travel on the arterial road till the weather improved and the road cleared," a traffic department spokesperson said.
Nearly a dozen locations along the Nashri-Banihal stretch were affected by the landslides and mudslides, severely impacting the movement on this crucial route connecting Jammu and Srinagar.

On April 17, a sudden spell of strong winds accompanied by rain swept through parts of the Union Territories, causing significant structural damage, uprooting trees, and disrupting road connectivity and power supply.

Udhampur district was among the worst affected, with numerous trees uprooted, leading to severe traffic disruptions. Several roads in the area were blocked, and widespread power outages were reported across multiple localities.
In Jammu, a portion of the boundary wall of the Civil Secretariat collapsed due to intense winds, bringing down the barbed wire fencing with it. The debris damaged several parked vehicles. Authorities deployed a JCB machine to clear the rubble and restore normal movement in the area.
Former Sarpanch of Sateni Panchayat in Udhampur, Parshottam Gupta, confirmed substantial damage in his locality. “I inspected my Panchayat, and several trees were uprooted. Traffic and electricity have been impacted. It’s been 4-5 years since we experienced such powerful winds. A full assessment of the damage will be possible by tomorrow morning,” he said.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had earlier issued an alert on April 19, warning of severe weather conditions in Jammu and Kashmir between April 18 and 20 due to an active western disturbance.
The forecast included heavy rain, thunderstorms, hailstorms, and gusty winds, prompting the authorities to initiate precautionary measures to safeguard lives and livestock.
Extremely anguished: J&K CM Omar Abdullah
Taking note of the situation, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed grief over the loss of lives in Ramban. In a post on X, he said:

“Extremely anguished by the tragic landslide and flash flood 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.”