Unfortunate: J-K Deputy CM Choudhary on Ramban landslide deaths

ANI April 20, 2025 250 views

J-K Deputy CM Surinder Kumar Choudhary termed the Ramban landslides as unfortunate, confirming three deaths and extensive damage. The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway remains blocked due to debris, with houses and livestock also affected. Union Minister Jitendra Singh stated relief efforts are underway while advising travelers to avoid the route. Continuous rainfall has hampered clearance operations, delaying the highway's reopening.

"I am going to Ramban. It is unfortunate (three deaths). There is a cloudburst." – Surinder Kumar Choudhary
Jammu, April 20: Describing the incident of the landslide that killed three following the heavy rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir's Ramban district as "unfortunate", Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary on Sunday said that he would go to the place to assess the situation.

Key Points

1

Deputy CM Choudhary to assess landslide damage in Ramban

2

NH-44 blocked, houses destroyed, livestock lost

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Union Minister confirms 3 deaths, relief efforts ongoing

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Authorities warn travelers to avoid highway

Speaking to reporters, Choudhary said, "I am going to Ramban. It is unfortunate (three deaths). There is a cloudburst. We are going by road because the weather conditions are not favourable for a chopper. We will go there and assess the situation. We will brief you after reviewing the situation."

The Deputy Chief Minister also confirmed that the infrastructure has been destroyed in the affected area, noting that the houses got damaged as well as the National Highway due to the debris.

"The National Highway is also damaged. Houses are damaged and people's goats have died," he added.

Earlier, heavy rainfall on Sunday triggered landslides in Jammu and Kashmir's Ramban district, leading to the complete closure of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) and damage to several houses.

Authorities have advised commuters to avoid the route until weather conditions improve and clearance operations are completed.

Deputy Traffic Inspector Javed Kataria, speaking to ANI, said the highway was "completely blocked" in the Ramban sector and urged travellers to avoid the route.

"The national highway (Jammu-Szrinagar NH in Ramban district) is completely blocked (due to landslides). Avoid this highway till the weather improves. Clearance work is ongoing, but it does not seem that the highway will open before evening or tomorrow because it is raining continuously," he said.

Earlier today, Union Minister Jitendra Singh stated three casualties and loss of property to a couple of families due to landslides on the National Highway (NH) 44 in the Ramban area.

Singh further said that he was in touch with the Deputy Commissioner and was informed that relief was being provided to those who were facing hardships due to the hailstorm.

"There was a heavy hailstorm, multiple landslides and fast winds throughout the night in the Ramban region, including the areas surrounding the Ramban town. The National Highway stands blocked, and unfortunately, there have been three casualties and a loss of property for a couple of families. I am in constant touch with Deputy Commissioner Mr Baseer-ul-Haq Chaudhary," Singh posted on X.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Such a tragic incident 😔 My heart goes out to the families who lost their loved ones. The government should prioritize better infrastructure in landslide-prone areas to prevent such tragedies.
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Priya M.
The Deputy CM visiting the site is a good gesture, but I hope this leads to concrete action. We've seen too many condolences without follow-up measures to improve safety in these regions.
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Amit S.
Nature's fury is truly devastating. Kudos to the rescue teams working in difficult conditions. Stay safe everyone! 🙏
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Neha T.
The loss of livestock is often overlooked but for many families, their goats are their livelihood. Hope the relief measures include compensation for these losses too.
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Sanjay R.
While I appreciate the officials' response, I wish they had better early warning systems in place. These landslides don't happen without warning signs that could help prevent casualties.
M
Meena P.
The highway closure is going to affect so many people's lives and businesses. Hope the clearance work is completed soon and safely! 💪

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Tags:
Jammu and Kashmir Ramban landslide Surinder Kumar Choudhary NH-44 blocked Jitendra Singh
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