Ramban ravaged: Lives lost, highway cut off as rescue ops race against time

Ramban: As of April 22, Ramban district in Jammu and Kashmir is grappling with the aftermath of severe landslides and flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall and a cloudburst. The calamity has resulted in at least three fatalities, including two minor siblings, and has caused major damage to infrastructure and property.

The Srinagar-Jammu highway, a crucial arterial route, remains closed due to extensive damage, with restoration efforts expected to take several days for partial reopening and up to two months for full repair.

In the interim, traffic is being diverted through the Mughal Road and Sinthan Top, though these routes are experiencing slow movement due to narrow lanes and additional landslides.

Rescue operations have been intensified, with over 500 persons evacuated from affected areas, Indian Express reported. Teams from the Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local authorities are engaged in providing relief, including food, shelter, and medical assistance. The power supply remains disrupted in Ramban and surrounding villages, and numerous smaller roads are still blocked.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has visited the affected areas, assuring residents of governmental support and stressing upon the priority of restoring the highway.

Residents have reported extensive losses, with homes and shops washed away, and are appealing for special assistance packages to rebuild their lives.