At least four people lost their lives and one person is still missing after a cloudburst struck the Rajgarh area of Ramban district in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday. The sudden gush of water triggered flash floods, which damaged several houses and swept away others completely.
Rescue teams rushed to the spot and efforts are underway to trace the missing person, according to ANI. Authorities confirmed that no injuries have been reported so far, but the scale of destruction is significant.
Minister Confirms Casualties
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh confirmed the tragedy on X, writing: “Just now spoke to DC Ramban Mohammad Alyas Khan. Cloudburst in Rajgarh area resulting in the unfortunate casualty of four persons. The fifth one is missing and the search is going on. Meanwhile, there is no injured. Rescue operation is on. Every possible assistance being provided. I am in constant touch.”
Heavy Rain Triggers Disasters
J&K has been experiencing continuous rainfall for the past few days, leading to floods, cloudbursts, and frequent landslides. The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44), a vital link between Kashmir and the rest of the country, has been badly damaged, halting traffic.
Officials also reported that nine inter-district roads in the Jammu region are closed due to landslides and soil erosion. Many villages in Jammu, Samba, Kathua, and Udhampur remain cut off after days of heavy downpour.
Weather Warnings in Place
The Meteorological Department issued a yellow alert for Poonch, Reasi, Rajouri, Kishtwar, and Udhampur districts on Friday, warning of thunderstorms and lightning. For Saturday and Sunday, an orange alert has been sounded in Poonch, Kishtwar, Jammu, Ramban, and Udhampur, pointing to the likelihood of more intense rainfall.