Ramban: Heavy rains triggered flash floods in Dharam Kund village of Jammu and Kashmir’s Ramban district early Sunday (April 20), leading to large-scale damage and panic. More than 100 people trapped by the sudden deluge were safely rescued by police and emergency teams, as relentless rainfall continued to lash the region. The natural disaster claimed at least three lives and left one person missing.
The floods, which occurred near the Chenab River, were accompanied by fierce hailstorms and landslides, causing widespread destruction and forcing many families to flee their homes.
Homes Washed Away, Hundred Rescued
Local officials said a dramatic rise in water levels of a nearby nallah transformed it into a raging torrent that swept through Dharamkund, close to the Chenab bridge. Ten houses were completely destroyed while another 25 to 30 suffered partial damage. As muddy water surged through residential areas, toppling walls and flooding roads, nearly 100 villagers, many of them women and children, were evacuated to safer locations in a swift rescue effort led by the local police and district administration.
Many heart-wrenching videos from the site surfaced online. Have a look:
At least Three people were killed and over 100 rescued after heavy rain triggered flash floods at different places in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ramban. Prayers pic.twitter.com/kxkHQEIrl7
— Baba Banaras™ (@RealBababanaras) April 20, 2025
Union Minister Acknowledges Crisis, Assures Support
Union Minister Jitendra Singh addressed the disaster in a public statement, acknowledging both the human and material losses. “There was a heavy hailstorm, multiple landslides, and fast winds throughout the night in the Ramban region, including areas surrounding Ramban town. The National Highway stands blocked, and unfortunately, there have been three casualties and loss of property for several families,” he said.
Singh further said that he was in regular contact with Ramban Deputy Commissioner Baseer-ul-Haq Chaudhary and confirmed the administration was offering all necessary assistance, including financial relief. “If need be, whatever more is required can be provided from my personal resources as well. The request is not to panic—we shall all, together, overcome this natural calamity,” he added.
With the National Highway still closed due to landslides and debris, authorities have advised against travel in the region while cleanup and recovery efforts continue.
