Jammu and Kashmir was battered by torrential rains on Sunday, triggering flash floods and landslides across several districts, with Ramban being the worst-hit.
At least three people lost their lives in Bagna village after a landslide swept away their homes. Over 30 houses were destroyed, several vehicles damaged, and the vital Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH44) was blocked.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued prior warnings, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall due to an incoming western disturbance over the Western Himalayan region.
In response to the severe weather, J&K Education Minister Sakina Itoo announced the closure of all schools across the Kashmir valley on April 21 as a precautionary measure.
Rescue operations are underway in Ramban with teams from the police, SDRF, Army, NGOs, and other departments working round-the-clock. Areas such as Banihal, Khari, Batote, Dharamkund, Seri, Chamba, and Bagna have been heavily affected by the downpour and resulting landslides.
