Destructive Flash Flood Hits Ramban; Widespread Damage Reported
Dubela, Anuja Chakraborty: Hundreds of families in Ramban district lost their houses and a widespread damage took place in the Ramban district due to a flash flood. The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44), which is a crucial route linking Jammu and Srinagar, is facing the most difficulty due to the flash floods in Ramban, Jammu. The NH-44 highway got completely blocked due to water overflow, debris, and landslides, which stranded hundreds of vehicles and passengers.
According the official report, “1442 livestock were killed during this flash flood, 98 vehicles, including 37 commercial and 61 non-commercial, were damaged, 515 structures, including 465 residential and 50 commercials, were damaged and 135 different roads were also affected, which included 64 roads in Ramban division and 71 roads in Banihal division”
The worst affected area was the (NH-44) as it suffered extensive damage and after 19th April it went under all the damage control and possible measures that should be taken by the government. The severe damage by the mudslides, landslides resulted in destroying establishments, injuring multiple people and three people were even killed in this terrific flash flood. The National Highway, a major road connecting Jammu and Srinagar, was also blocked because of being heavily impacted by landslides and flooding.
The flood also damaged the Jal Shakti schemes as the flood and landslides damaged the pipelines. As per the record around 225 power distribution poles were damaged, three transformers were damaged, 5.80 km of conductors were also affected, 12 link sets were damaged, 210 poles were uprooted and 314 insulators were completely damaged.
However, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local teams have been commendable. Ongoing efforts are focused on clearing debris and restoring vital infrastructure. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has assured the local for new constructions of house to a safer place and proper measures are being taken to normalize the situation.
