All police stations in Jammu and Kashmir's Ramban district have been put on alert following landslides in several areas, SSP Kulbir Singh said on Sunday. Speaking to media, Singh confirmed that several houses and vehicles have been damaged due to landslides. "All police stations have been alerted. Several houses and vehicles have been damaged in Ramban. The National Highway has been blocked. Around 100 people have been rescued from Dharma Kund. Three people have lost their lives in a house collapse in Baghana village. Rescue operations are also underway on the national highway.
On Sunday, heavy rains triggered a landslide in Ramban, blocking the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) and damaging several houses and vehicles. Authorities have asked commuters to avoid travelling on the highway till the weather improves and the cleaning drive is over. "The national highway (Jammu-Srinagar NH in Ramban district) is completely blocked (due to landslides). Avoid this highway until the weather improves. The clearing work is on, but it is unlikely that the highway will open before evening or tomorrow as it has been raining incessantly. "
Landslides caused by heavy rains and hailstorms damaged several buildings and vehicles in the area. Earlier in the day, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also expressed grief over the landslides and flash floods in Ramban. In a post shared by the Chief Minister's Office on X, Omar Abdullah said, "I am deeply saddened by the tragic landslide and flash floods in Ramban, which has caused a lot of loss of life and property. My thoughts are with the affected families in this difficult time.
We are in touch with local authorities to ensure immediate rescue operations wherever required," he said. Later today, I will review the restoration, relief, and repair plans. At the moment, the focus is on handling the situation on the ground. Citizens are advised to follow travel advisories and avoid unnecessary movement in vulnerable areas. He also expressed condolences to the families of the victims and assured that relief and rescue operations were underway.