Torrential Rains Devastate J&K’s Ramban; 3 Dead, Schools Shut Across Valley

Rains Devastate J&K’s Ramban: All schools across Jammu-Kashmir will remain closed today, April 21, a day after heavy rainfall triggering flash floods and landslides left three people dead in Ramban.

The weather conditions damaged several houses and shops and affected the traffic movement on the strategic 250-kilometer Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.

Jammu and Kashmir’s (J-K) Education Minister Sakina took to X and announced the closure of schools for April 21. “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," she wrote.

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The three people killed in Ramban on Sunday have been identified as brothers Aqib Ahmad and Saqib Ahmad, and Muneer Ahmad. They died when a house collapsed at Seri Champa village on the outskirts of Ramban town.

Rescue teams in Ramban shifted nearly 500 people from low-lying areas to safer places, officials said.

The landslides buried many vehicles along the national highway and in Ramban town and its outskirts, leaving many people stranded.

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Ramban SSP (National Highway Traffic) Raja Adil Hamid Ganaie told reporters that the highway was blocked at five locations, including Panthyal, Seri, and Kishtwari Pathar, due to landslides and stones being shot. Other roads were also blocked.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah shared condolences over the loss of lives and assured all support from the government."Extremely anguished by the tragic landslide and flash flood in Ramban, which has caused considerable damage to life and property. My thoughts are with the affected families in this difficult hour. We are in touch with the local administration to ensure immediate rescue efforts wherever needed," said Abdullah in a statement shared by the Chief Minister’s Office.

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