Jammu and Kashmir: Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar visits Ramban landslide area, assures relief

The landslide, caused by record-breaking rainfall, has severely impacted the region, blocking roads and causing significant damage to the infrastructure and homes, with at least three confirmed fatalities.

"There has been heavy rainfall here, which has broken records. As a result, you can see that the entire roadside and national highways have been blocked, with boulders and slush, and in some places, the road has even sunk. The road is also damaged. In addition, people's homes have been affected, and there have been 3 casualties," Kumar stated during his visit.

He assured the public that the district administration had immediately taken charge of the situation and was working swiftly to clear the roads.

"The district administration has immediately taken charge, and relief material has been provided. You can see that work has started, and road clearance is underway," he said.

Kumar further mentioned that the government is focusing on restoring essential services, saying, "Regarding the civil damage, efforts are being made to supply essential services like power, rations, and other supplies to those affected," he said. He also confirmed that the rain had stopped, and an assessment of the damage was ongoing.

According to Kumar, approximately 10 to 12 villages have been affected to varying degrees.

"The affected areas include around 10 to 12 villages, which have sustained damage to varying degrees. Teams are working on assessing the extent of the damage, and after the assessment, further actions will be taken," he added.

The Divisional Commissioner emphasised that all efforts were being made to mitigate the effects of the disaster and ensure the well-being of the affected communities. "The SDRF, NDRF, Indian Army, and district administration are all fully prepared," he said.

Meanwhile, District Commissioner (DC) of Kishtwar, Rajesh Shavan, provided an update on the ongoing situation in Kishtwar's Pathernaki area following a landslide that impacted residents. He clarified that the landslide was not caused by the recent rainfall in the region.

"This landslide occurring in the Pathernaki area is not due to rainfall," Shavan stated. He also mentioned that light snowfall had been occurring at Sinthan Top on National Highway 244 since the morning, affecting the road conditions.

Snow clearance operations have been underway, and by 4:30 PM, one-way traffic was successfully restored on NH244. "Snow clearance operations are underway, and one-way traffic was restored by 4:30 PM," the DC confirmed.

Regarding the affected families in Pathernaki, the district administration has stepped in to provide all necessary assistance and essential supplies. "The administration has provided them with all necessary assistance and essential supplies," Shavan said