Lagatar24 Desk
Jammu: A week of relentless rainfall has devastated Jammu and Kashmir, causing landslides, cloudbursts, and floods that left highways blocked, villages submerged, and at least 56 people dead. The most recent tragedies struck Reasi and Ramban, where 11 people lost their lives, including five children from a single family.
Reasi Landslide Kills Seven of a Family
In Reasi district, a landslide early Friday destroyed a kaccha house, killing all seven members of a family. The victims included five children aged between 4 and 12 years. Their bodies were recovered on Saturday morning from beneath the debris.
Ramban Cloudburst Claims Four Lives
In Ramban, a cloudburst in Rajgarh’s higher reaches triggered flash floods that swept away homes and structures, leaving four people dead and four others missing. Rescue operations are underway, with Union Minister Jitendra Singh confirming constant support and aid to affected families. Authorities have issued advisories warning of heavy rains, cloudbursts, and flash floods until September 2.
Widespread Damage Across J&K
The week-long downpour has caused catastrophic damage across Jammu and Kashmir. The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, the Valley’s lifeline, has been shut for five days, leaving over 2,000 vehicles stranded. Nine inter-district roads remain blocked, and dozens of villages in Jammu, Samba, Kathua, and Udhampur are cut off.
Earlier this week, a landslide near Katra on the Vaishno Devi route killed 31 people, forcing suspension of the yatra. The fourth bridge over the Tawi River also collapsed due to swollen waters.
Relief Measures and Warnings
Over 5,000 people have been evacuated from low-lying areas by the Army and relief forces. Schools, universities, and government offices remain closed in many districts. Mobile and internet services have been partially restored in Jammu and Kashmir. The weather office has issued an orange alert for heavier rains in Poonch, Kishtwar, Jammu, Ramban, and Udhampur.
A dedicated help desk has been set up at Jammu Tawi Railway Station to assist stranded passengers and pilgrims, with officers from Railways, civil administration, and GRP manning the service.
