Ramban, Jammu and Kashmir, April 26, 2025 – Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired a critical review meeting at the Conference Hall Maitra in Ramban district to assess the ground situation following the devastating flash floods and landslides triggered by a cloudburst on April 20, 2025. Emphasising immediate relief, restoration, and rehabilitation, Abdullah reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to supporting every affected family in the region.
The meeting, attended by Deputy Commissioner Baseer-Ul-Haq Chaudhary, DDC Chairperson Dr. Shamshad Shan, Advisor to CM Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Banihal Sajad Shaheen, MLA Ramban Arjun Singh Raju, and senior civil and police officials, focused on evaluating ongoing relief operations and restoration efforts. The cloudburst in Seri Bagna and Dharamkund caused three deaths, damaged 200–250 homes, and disrupted the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, a vital lifeline. Over 600 houses and commercial buildings were impacted, with villages like Bagahana, Maroog, and Kela Morh bearing the brunt of the disaster.
Abdullah directed officials to expedite relief distribution, including ration kits, drinking water via tankers, and medical aid, while prioritizing the restoration of essential services like electricity and roads. He praised the District Administration Ramban and Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) Department for delivering supplies to remote areas like Bhagna using ponies along the Sencha–Bhagna road. The administration has restored 1,486 of 1,762 distribution transformers and partially reopened the National Highway-44 for one-way traffic.
The Chief Minister announced plans to seek Central assistance by declaring Ramban a disaster zone to support long-term rehabilitation. He also addressed local concerns about blocked drains and culverts during highway construction, promising to raise the issue with the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways.
Amid heightened regional tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, Abdullah’s visit and the review meeting highlight the government’s dual focus on disaster recovery and regional stability. The administration’s efforts, backed by Union Minister Jitendra Singh’s assurances of additional resources, aim to rebuild infrastructure and restore normalcy for Ramban’s flood-affected communities.
