Cloudburst in J\&K’s Ramban leaves three dead

Cloudburst in J\&K’s Ramban leaves three dead

Torrents of muddy water rushed through narrow lanes, sweeping away homes, vehicles, and standing crops. Residents were left in panic as their belongings were destroyed within minutes, with many forced to flee to higher ground for safety. The devastation also cut off essential roads, leaving communities isolated and without supplies. Daily life came to a standstill as power lines, water sources, and communication networks were badly disrupted.

Jammu: Cloudburst in Ramban leaves three dead, five missing; rescue efforts on

A sudden cloudburst in the early hours of Saturday, August 30, brought tragedy to Rajgarh tehsil of Ramban district in Jammu and Kashmir. The powerful downpour, which struck without warning, triggered flash floods that swept through several villages, leaving behind destruction and grief. Officials confirmed that at least three people have lost their lives, while five others remain missing.

The incident occurred before dawn, catching residents unprepared. Within minutes, muddy torrents carrying rocks, uprooted trees, and debris engulfed houses, farmlands, and roads. Everything else is gone,” said a villager, describing the chaos and despair.

Rescue efforts intensify

Rescue teams, including personnel from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, and local administration, rushed to the affected area soon after the tragedy. So far, three bodies have been recovered. The search for the missing continues as teams navigate through slush and dangerous terrain. Officials said helicopters may also be deployed if weather conditions permit.

Temporary relief camps have been set up to shelter displaced families. Volunteers and local residents have stepped forward to provide food, blankets, and drinking water to those in need. Medical teams are also stationed at the camps to attend to the injured and prevent waterborne diseases.

Deputy Commissioner Ramban assured that every effort is being made to provide urgent assistance. “Our priority is to rescue those missing, provide immediate relief to survivors, and assess the scale of damage,” he said.

Houses and livelihoods destroyed

The scale of destruction is heartbreaking. Several houses were either partially damaged or completely washed away by the raging floodwaters. Agricultural land, which is the primary source of income for most families in the region, has been left buried under mud and debris. For many, years of hard work vanished in a matter of minutes.

“We had stored our harvest in the storeroom. Now nothing remains. The water swept away even our cattle,” said another villager, her voice trembling with grief.

The floods have also disrupted connectivity in the area. Roads remain blocked due to landslides, delaying the movement of rescue teams and supplies. Power lines and water pipelines have been snapped, adding to the hardship of those affected.

The Ramban tragedy comes amid a week of relentless rains across Jammu division. Districts such as Jammu, Samba, and Kathua have also suffered significant damage to property and infrastructure. In several places, schools and marketplaces remained shut, while bridges and culverts collapsed under the pressure of swollen streams.

Meteorological officials have warned of more heavy rainfall in the coming days, raising concerns about further flooding and landslides. Authorities have advised people living in low-lying or landslide-prone areas to remain vigilant and shift to safer locations if needed.

Human spirit amid crisis

Amid the loss and destruction, stories of courage and solidarity are emerging. Villagers braved the strong currents to rescue trapped neighbors, while local youth formed human chains to guide children and the elderly to safety.

One young man, who had risked his life to save an elderly couple, said: “We cannot replace what they have lost, but at least we can save lives.”

Such acts of humanity highlight the resilience of the people of Ramban, who even in their darkest hour are standing together to support one another.

Looking ahead

As rescue operations continue, the focus will soon shift to rehabilitation and rebuilding lives. The administration has promised compensation for those who lost their loved ones and financial aid for damaged homes. However, for many families, the trauma of losing relatives, homes, and livelihoods will take years to heal.

For now, the people of Rajgarh tehsil are clinging to hope—that their missing loved ones are found, that their villages will recover, and that life will slowly return to normal after this devastating natural disaster.