Lightening, flash floods, landslides devastate J&K villages; five feared dead

Srinagar: At least five people are feared dead and one remains missing after flash floods, triggered by intense overnight rainfall, struck several villages in Ramban and Reasi districts of Jammu region in the last 24-hours.

According to officials, the sudden deluge wreaked havoc in the region—sweeping away homes, damaging infrastructure, and forcing dozens of families to evacuate. The disaster was intensified by accompanying landslides, hailstorms, and strong winds.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ramban, Kulbir Singh, confirmed that three people—including two children—died when a house collapsed in Bagna village of Ramban due to the heavy rains.

Visuals from the area show a grim aftermath: submerged vehicles, torn roofs, and roads littered with debris. Rescue teams were seen escorting women and children to safety as floodwaters continued to rise.

The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, the crucial lifeline connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country, was blocked at multiple points due to landslides, hampering relief operations.

“The highway is buried under thick layers of rocks and mud, leaving hundreds of private vehicles and goods carriers stranded,” officials reported.

One landslide sent several parked vehicles plunging into a gorge, though no casualties were reported in that specific incident. Efforts to clear debris and restore connectivity are ongoing, they said.

In a separate tragedy, two people were killed by lightning in Jamedi village, Arnas, in Reasi district.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a fresh advisory, warning of another active Western Disturbance expected to impact the Union Territory on April 20. The forecast includes thunderstorms, lightning, hail, and gusty winds.

Authorities have urged the public to avoid non-essential travel and steer clear of riverbanks, higher altitudes, and water bodies. Farmers have been advised to safeguard crops and livestock.

Over the past 48 hours, various parts of J&K have witnessed extreme weather, including hail storms that damaged apple orchards in north and south Kashmir.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and property. “I am extremely anguished by the tragic landslide and flash floods in Ramban,” he said.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh acknowledged the crisis and praised the district administration for their swift response. “Heavy hailstorms, multiple landslides, and high winds hit Ramban overnight. The highway remains blocked, and tragically, there have been three confirmed deaths and widespread property damage,” he stated.