Flash Floods in Ramban Leave 3 Dead, 100 Rescued Amid Jammu and Kashmir Rain Fury
Torrential rains trigger flash floods and landslides, disrupting lives and travel across Ramban district
Ramban, Jammu and Kashmir | April 20, 2025 — At least three people lost their lives, and more than 100 residents were rescued in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ramban district early Sunday as incessant rainfall triggered flash floods and landslides, devastating large parts of the region. The continuous violent weather conditions have affected day-to-day life across the Union Territory, leading to property destruction, road closures, and large-scale evacuations.
#Ramban | Flash floods triggered by heavy rains hit a village near the Chenab River in Dharamkund, J&K.#JammuKashmir #Dharamkund pic.twitter.com/mrcL9RX7Ja
— DD News (@DDNewslive) April 20, 2025
According to official sources, the most severe damage occurred in Dharam Kund village, where a flash flood swept through residential areas, damaging over 40 houses and washing away multiple vehicles as a result of an overflowing stream.
Flash Flood Hits Dharam Kund: Quick Police Response Saves Lives
The situation escalated when torrential rain led to a sudden rise in water levels, causing a flash flood that inundated homes and roads in the early morning hours. Despite treacherous conditions and continuous downpours, local police and rescue teams responded swiftly, successfully evacuating over 100 stranded villagers.
Flash Floods in Ramban Leave 3 Dead, 100 Rescued Amid Jammu and Kashmir Rain Fury
“Despite ongoing rainfall and the risk of cloudbursts, our teams rushed to the affected site and managed to rescue trapped civilians,” said a senior police official involved in the operations.
The deceased have not yet been officially identified, and authorities are working to ascertain whether additional people are missing.
Jammu-Srinagar Highway Shut Down Amid Landslides and Shooting Stones
In addition to the flood damage, the strategic Jammu-Srinagar National Highway—a crucial lifeline for the region—has been shut down at several locations between Nashri and Banihal. Landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones have made multiple stretches of the road unsafe for travel, according to a statement from the traffic department.
“Traffic has been suspended from both directions. Commuters are advised to avoid travel until the weather stabilizes and clearance operations are complete,” the spokesperson added.
Several travelers have been stranded on either side of the highway, and rescue teams are providing temporary shelters and relief aid.
Weather Forecast and Emergency Advisories
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a weather alert for Jammu and Kashmir, forecasting continued rainfall and thunderstorms in the region over the next 48 hours. Authorities have urged residents, especially in hilly areas like Ramban, to remain indoors and avoid riverbanks and landslide-prone zones.
Emergency services, including disaster management teams, are on high alert, with reinforcements sent to vulnerable areas. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local administration are coordinating efforts to monitor water levels and stabilize affected infrastructure.
Property Damage and Local Response
Preliminary reports indicate:
- 40+ residential structures damaged or inundated
- Several vehicles swept away by floodwaters
- Disruption of power and communication lines in interior parts of Ramban
- Local schools and offices remain closed due to safety concerns
Volunteers, along with NGOs and local authorities, have begun setting up temporary shelters and food distribution centers in affected villages.
Expert Reactions and Need for Long-Term Planning
Environmental experts have linked the increased frequency of extreme weather events in Jammu and Kashmir to climate change and poor land management.
“Unplanned construction and deforestation in hilly regions make these areas more vulnerable to natural disasters,” said Dr. Ajay Kaul, a geologist at the University of Jammu.
He emphasized the urgent need for early warning systems, stricter land-use policies, and improved drainage infrastructure in high-risk zones like Ramban.