Highway shut for 2nd consecutive day; Hundreds of HMVs stranded; 45 houses fully damaged; Div Com says it will take time to restore traffic
Jammu Tawi, Apr 21: Flash floods triggered by a cloudburst in Ramban have left a trail of destruction behind and have brought life to a grinding halt.
Three people lost their lives in Baghana village after their house collapsed. Several shops and vehicles were also swept away. Many people were left stranded along the national highway, while all the institutions in Ramban remained closed on Monday.
The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway remains closed as the debris from landslides and continuous shooting stones in Ramban could not be cleared, officials said, adding that it may take up to three days to restore traffic movement on the highway.
“We are working hard to clear the highway. If all goes well, we may allow one-way traffic within two to three days,” officials said, adding that no passenger vehicles are currently stranded on the highway.
To speed up restoration work, NDRF, SDRF and local volunteers have been deployed for rescue operations. Heavy machinery, including JCBs and earthmovers from agencies like KRCL, CPPL, and DMR is working round-the-clock to remove debris and repair the damaged road.
The Indian Army, CRPF, and the civil administration have launched a joint operation to assist stranded people, deliver essential services and support ongoing repair efforts.
Over a dozen vehicles have been damaged, some buried under the debris. The rescue operations are continuing across the district.
Dozens of bridegrooms were seen walking on foot along the Jammu-Srinagar Highway due to the road closure. One groom walked 10 km to reach his bride after a landslide hit Ramban and adjoining areas. He was heading to Srinagar from Sangaldan Railway Station.
“I didn’t expect to travel on foot today, now I’m reaching by train. But it is reality,” he said.
Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, said that while the rain has stopped, assessment of road conditions in Ramban is ongoing.
“We are examining areas where cracks have developed and evaluating the overall stability of the road. A detailed assessment is essential before commenting on its condition,” he said.
He said that the district administration including the DC, SSP and teams from NHAI, SDRF, NDRF and other agencies, are actively engaged in restoration efforts.
“The weather has improved, assessments have begun, and restoration is in progress. The affected people have been identified and relocated to safer locations,” he said.
Relief requirements are also being assessed, and all damaged areas are under review to ensure proper support. “The DC and SSP teams are working round-the-clock with full support from the UT government,” Kumar said.
Regarding the reopening of the highway, he said, “It’s too early to give a timeline. Once the full extent of the damage is assessed and road stability confirmed, we can estimate when traffic will resume. Our teams are working to reopen it as soon as possible.”
He said that the damage is extensive, with sections of the road having sunk, retaining walls collapsed, and heavy mud accumulation. These challenges will take time to overcome.
However, alternative routes have been arranged. Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) heading to Kashmir are being diverted via Mughal Road, while Sinthan Top is open for LMVs from 11:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
Authorities are also considering allowing double-axle Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMVs) on Mughal Road. “All teams are working together to ensure timely relief and maximum public support,” he said.
Meanwhile, the authorities said that all the government and private educational institutions including schools, colleges and technical educational institutions in Ramban district will remain closed on Tuesday in view of the inclement weather.
Deputy Commissioner Ramban, in a post on X said: “In view of inclement weather and heavy rain causing flash floods, all Govt and Private Schools, Colleges & Technical Education Institutions of district Ramban shall remain closed on 22.04.2025. Stay indoors, stay safe!”.
Pertinently, the officials had stated that 45 houses have got damaged completely and 250 have been impacted due to the inclement weather conditions.
CM reaches ‘Ground Zero,’ assures victims of support
‘Not a national disaster, priority is to restore highway’
Jammu Tawi, Apr 21: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday reached “Ground Zero” at Ramban to assess the damage caused by the flash floods triggered by the cloudburst.
Talking to the reporters after taking stock of the situation, the Chief Minister said, “All the possible support will be provided to the victims and efforts are on to restore the traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar-National Highway.”
“Several vehicles have come under the debris as the whole road has collapsed. The alignment of the road needs to be changed. The debris will be cleared and the vehicles under it will be removed,” he said, adding, “ We are trying to complete the restoration work immediately.”
Replying to a query, the Chief Minister said, “It is not a national disaster but a local disaster. We will provide the compensation to sufferers and will also talk to the Centre in this regard.”
Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister had told reporters in Srinagar that he had sent Deputy Chief Minister and two other local MLAs to the spot to assess the situation and efforts are on to restore the highway immediately.
Referring to the monetary relief being arranged for the sufferers, Omar had said, “Arrangements are being made for the relief while the PM relief fund and other funds will be tapped so that the people get compensation.”
Urging people to refrain from hoarding, Omar said, “I want to assure people that there is no shortage of essentials. The government and officials have been strictly directed to act tough against the black marketing and unnecessary price hike while police will also be involved to act against these persons and if needed, the arrests will also be made in this regard.”
He appealed to people to inform the government in case of black marketing.
He added that Srinagar-Jammu highway is presently closed, but if the need arises, Mughal Road will be used to bring the essentials.
Pertinently, three people including two minor siblings died on Sunday after the cloudburst hit Ramban area while the landslides also blocked the National Highway and also caused damage in the residential areas of the district, prompting the administration to launch rescue and relief operation. Several families were also shifted to the safer places.
