Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday expressed serious concern over the grim situation in Ramban district following flash floods and massive landslides triggered by a cloudburst. The calamity has caused widespread destruction, especially along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.
“At least three lives have been lost, and numerous homes, vehicles, and parts of the highway have been reduced to rubble,” Abdullah told reporters in Srinagar. “Reports coming in from Ramban suggest that the situation is really bad in some areas, particularly around the highway.”
He assured that the administration is working on a war footing to restore the crucial highway link. “Alongside highway restoration, our focus is also on rehabilitating the residential areas affected by the landslides,” he added.
Abdullah stated that relief operations are in progress, and the J&K government is reaching out to the central government for assistance. “We are exploring support from the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund and other available resources to compensate the affected people,” he said.
He also appealed to the public to remain calm and avoid panic-buying or hoarding due to the highway closure. “There is no shortage of essential supplies. Strict action will be taken against anyone found indulging in black marketing or price gouging,” he warned. “Officials have been instructed to register FIRs and make arrests if needed.”
While the Jammu-Srinagar highway remains closed for now, Abdullah noted that the Mughal Road is operational. “If necessary, goods can be transported through the Mughal Road. We are hopeful of restoring at least one-way traffic on the highway within a day or two,” he said.
The Chief Minister also announced plans to visit Ramban personally to assess the ground situation and hold a high-level review meeting with local officials.
