Two individuals lost their lives and several others sustained injuries when a commercial vehicle was struck by falling rocks in the Ramsoo area of Ramban district on Wednesday. The incident occurred along the vital Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, which has been severely impacted by incessant rainfall across the Jammu region.
The Tempo Traveller, en route from Banihal to Ramban, was caught in a sudden downpour that loosened soil on the mountainsides, triggering a cascade of rocks. Many passengers were trapped inside the vehicle until rescue operations commenced. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the deceased have been identified as Nazir Ahmed and his wife, Shakeela Begum, both residents of Kastigarh in Doda district. One person died at the scene, while the other succumbed to their injuries later. The injured passengers, also from Doda, have been identified as Gulzar Ahmed, Akhtar Hussain, Tasleema Bano, and Rashid Ahmed.
Emergency services, including the police and local volunteers, responded swiftly to the scene and initiated a rescue mission. The injured were transported to the primary health centre in Ramsoo for immediate medical attention. Two individuals with critical injuries were subsequently referred to the District Hospital Ramban for further treatment.
The Jammu region has been experiencing continuous rainfall since Tuesday evening, with significant precipitation recorded by the Meteorological Department over the past 24 hours. Kathua recorded 153 mm of rainfall, Samba received 133 mm, and Jammu registered 62 mm. Other areas also reported substantial rainfall, with Gulmarg receiving 55 mm, Baramulla 38 mm, Poonch 51 mm, Rajouri 44 mm, and Ramban 49 mm.
The Meteorological Department has forecast further spells of rain and thundershowers, particularly in the early morning and forenoon of Thursday. From July 24 to 29, scattered light rain and thundershowers are expected, with the possibility of brief intense showers in a few locations. The department has also issued an advisory warning of potential flash floods, landslides, and mudslides in vulnerable areas over the next 24 to 48 hours. Additionally, an increase in water levels in rivers, streams, and nullahs, along with flooding and waterlogging in low-lying areas, is anticipated.
Meanwhile, the devastating impact of recent flash floods and landslides in Ladakh has come to light. Ladakh MP Mohmad Haneefa expressed deep sorrow over the widespread destruction in Kargil district, specifically mentioning affected areas such as Tsangra, Shakar Chiktan, Yokma Kharboo, Sankoo, Bhagdham, Karkitchoo, Latoo, Silmo, and Choskore. He stated that his team, accompanied by local councillors, had visited the affected villages to assess the situation and offer support to the families impacted. The MP commended the efforts of the district administration, SDRF, BRO, PWD, police, and the Army for their tireless rescue and restoration work. He pledged to provide all possible assistance, including support from the MPLADS fund and pursuing additional financial aid from the government, to help restore essential public infrastructure and aid in the rehabilitation of affected families. He urged concerned authorities to prioritize the restoration of road connectivity, drinking water supply, irrigation channels, electricity, and other critical public services.
The heavy rainfall in the higher reaches of the region has led to the suspension of traffic on all major roads leading to the Kashmir Valley. A statement from the traffic police indicated that vehicular movement has been halted from both ends of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway due to continuous heavy rainfall, multiple instances of shooting stones, and mudslides along the entire route. Commuters have been advised to postpone any travel plans on the highway until the weather improves and the road is declared safe for traffic. Other important routes, including the Mughal Road and the Kishtwar-Anantnag road, are also currently closed.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
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