Flash floods triggered by relentless overnight rainfall wreaked havoc in Dharamkund village near the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ramban district, killing three people and leaving one person missing, local officials said Sunday. The torrential rains also sparked landslides and hailstorms that caused extensive damage to homes, roads and other infrastructure, displacing dozens of families.
A major landslide severely impacted a section of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, bringing traffic to a complete halt in the mountainous district.
WATCH | The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway has been closed due to heavy rains and multiple landslides between Ramban and Banihal. Traffic from Udhampur to Srinagar is halted. Authorities have issued an advisory urging people to avoid travelling on the highway today for safety… pic.twitter.com/2cx0kiMlQE
— NewsMobile (@NewsMobileIndia) April 20, 2025
“The highway is buried under a thick layer of rocks, mud and debris, leaving hundreds of private vehicles and goods carriers stranded,” an official said, adding that restoration efforts were underway but hampered by continuing rain.
Authorities said the water level in a nearby nallah surged dramatically due to the downpour, triggering a flash flood that swept into Dharamkund village near the Chenab bridge.
🚨 Ramban, J&K: Flash floods triggered by heavy rains hit a village near the Chenab River in Dharamkund.
10 houses fully damaged, 25–30 partially affected.
Around 90–100 people safely rescued by Dharamkund police. pic.twitter.com/7AXZV0uUm8
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) April 20, 2025
Ten homes were completely destroyed, while another 25 to 30 houses suffered partial damage. Despite the devastation, quick action by the Dharamkund police and the district administration helped safely evacuate 90 to 100 residents from the affected areas.
Videos circulating on social media captured the scale of destruction—mud-filled water racing through homes, collapsed structures and mangled vehicles. Rescue teams were seen escorting residents, including women and children, through knee-deep water to safer locations as levels continued to rise.
Flood like situation on Jammu – Srinagar National Highway. Avoid a journey till 22 April.
Most affected areas: Banihal, Panthyal, and adjacent areas. pic.twitter.com/QUpZMzx8fX
— Kashmir Weather (@Kashmir_Weather) April 20, 2025
Union Minister Jitendra Singh, who represents the region in Parliament, acknowledged the severity of the situation and praised the district administration for its swift response.
#Ramban #JammuAndKashmir: There was a heavy hailstorm, multiple landslides and fast winds throughout the night in the Ramban region, including the areas surrounding the Ramban town. The National Highway stands blocked and unfortunately there have been 3 casualties and loss of…
— Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) April 20, 2025
“There was a heavy hailstorm, multiple landslides and fast winds throughout the night in the Ramban region, including areas surrounding Ramban town,” Singh said. “The National Highway stands blocked, and unfortunately, there have been three casualties and loss of property for several families.”
He said he remained in constant contact with Ramban Deputy Commissioner Baseer-ul-Haq Chaudhary and assured that all necessary aid—financial and otherwise—was being extended to those affected.
“If need be, whatever more is required can be provided from my personal resources as well,” Singh added. “The request is not to panic—we shall all, together, overcome this natural calamity.”
Authorities have urged residents to remain alert and avoid venturing near riverbanks and landslide-prone areas as rain continues to lash parts of Jammu and Kashmir.
