Ramban, Jammu and Kashmir, April 21, 2025 – A devastating cloudburst unleashed torrential flash floods and landslides in Ramban district, claiming three lives, including two young brothers, and plunging the region into chaos. The Indian Army swiftly mobilized, delivering critical relief to stranded residents and tourists along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44), a vital lifeline now blocked by debris.
The disaster, triggered by relentless rainfall on April 20, 2025, caused unprecedented destruction, submerging homes, shops, and infrastructure. Landslides at Panthyal, Seri, and Kishtwari Pathar stranded hundreds of commuters, including families and elderly travelers, without access to food, water, or shelter. The Army responded with urgency, setting up relief camps to distribute food packets, clean drinking water, medical supplies, and blankets to those in distress.
“The scale of this disaster is unimaginable. The Army’s quick action saved lives,” said local shopkeeper Anil Sharma, whose home was damaged in the floods. Working alongside village volunteers, police, and SDRF teams, the Army rescued over 120 people, providing first aid and temporary shelters to the displaced.
The blocked NH-44, buried under mud and boulders, has halted connectivity between Kashmir and the rest of India, with restoration efforts hampered by ongoing rain. Ramban’s district administration, led by Deputy Commissioner Baseer-Ul-Haq Chaudhary, has relocated vulnerable families to safer areas and issued warnings as the Chenab River swells. Schools remain closed, and a red alert has been sounded in neighboring Reasi district.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah mourned the loss of life, pledging full support for relief operations. “Our priority is to reach every affected person and restore normalcy,” he said, advising against non-essential travel. Lieutenant-Governor Manoj Sinha and other leaders have urged swift central assistance for the region.
“Indian Army braving rain and rubble to deliver food and medicine in Ramban. True heroes!” As rescue and relief operations continue, the Indian Army’s timely intervention remains a lifeline for Ramban’s flood-hit communities, offering hope amid one of the worst natural disasters to strike the region.
