RAMBAN: Several parts of Jammu and Kashmir witnessed heavy torrential rains on Sunday, leading to flash floods and landslides, with the Ramban district being one of the worst-hit due to the inclement weather.
In the Ramban district, a devastating landslide in the Bagna village area has resulted in the deaths of at least three individuals, as their homes were swept away.
Approximately 30 houses were destroyed, vehicles were damaged, and both ends of the 250 km-long Jammu-Srinagar highway (NH44) have been blocked.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued warnings earlier in the week about heavy to very heavy rainfall anticipated in the Union Territory.
Reports on April 16 highlighted an approaching western disturbance that was expected to bring adverse weather conditions, particularly impacting Jammu & Kashmir from April 18 to 20.
The impact of the severe weather extended beyond Ramban, adversely affecting other areas such as Banihal, Khari, Batote, Dharamkund, Seri, Bagna, and Chamba. Tragically, the recent fatalities raise the toll to five in the Jammu region due to rain-related incidents in just two days.
On Saturday, two individuals, including a woman, were killed, and another woman was injured by a lightning strike in the Arnas area of Reasi district.
On the other hand, In view of the severe weather conditions, schools across Kashmir valley will remain close on April 21, Jammu and Kashmir’s (J-K) education minister Sakina Itoo has announced.
“In light of the continuing severe weather conditions and forecasts, it has been decided that classwork in all schools of the valley shall remain suspended for one day tomorrow (21st April). This decision has been taken as a precautionary step to ensure the safety and well-being of all students,” the minister wrote on X.
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