Ramban, August 30, 2025 – In the wake of a tragic cloudburst that struck the remote Rajgarh area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Ramban district, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ramban, Mohd Ilyas Khan, rushed to the site today to take stock of the situation and oversee rescue and relief measures. The sudden natural calamity, which occurred late Friday night in Gadgram village, has claimed at least four lives, left one person missing, and caused significant damage to infrastructure, including two houses, a school, and a cowshed, prompting an urgent response from the district administration.The cloudburst triggered flash floods in the Natna area, disrupting normal life and leading to widespread disruption in the mountainous region located about 25 kilometers from the district headquarters.
DC Khan, accompanied by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Arun Gupta and teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and Quick Response Team (QRT), arrived early morning to personally supervise the ongoing operations. Rescuers, including local volunteers, police, and SDRF personnel, conducted a hectic search and recovered the bodies of four victims identified as Ashwani Sharma (24), his brother Dwarka Nath (55), niece Virta Devi (26), and guest Om Raj (38). Efforts continue to locate Sharma’s sister-in-law, Bidya Devi (55), who remains missing.
Speaking to the media at the site, DC Khan emphasised the administration’s commitment to the affected families, stating, “The district administration is on high alert and is extending all possible assistance to the bereaved families. Rescue and relief operations are in full swing, with medical teams, ambulances, and essential supplies deployed to the area.” He directed officials to ensure timely evacuation from vulnerable zones, provide immediate relief including food, shelter, and financial aid, and conduct damage assessments to facilitate rehabilitation.The incident adds to the series of rain-related disasters plaguing Jammu and Kashmir since August 14, where over 130 lives have been lost across the region due to cloudbursts and landslides. SSP Gupta added that no injuries have been reported beyond the fatalities, and the focus remains on tracing the missing individual while preventing further risks amid forecasts of continued heavy rainfall.
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh confirmed he spoke with DC Khan, assuring every possible assistance, while Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed condolences and directed enhanced coordination for relief efforts.Local residents, including Ajay Kumar, praised the prompt response of the administration and volunteers led by Bashir Ahmad Magray, noting the fast-flowing stream created by the cloudburst that swept away structures in Drubla-Gudgram village. The meteorological department has issued an orange alert for Ramban and surrounding districts, warning of very heavy rainfall and potential flash floods or landslides until September 2, urging people to avoid vulnerable areas and adhere to safety advisories.This calamity underscores the increasing frequency of such events in the region, highlighting the need for robust early warning systems and infrastructure improvements in disaster-prone areas.
