Extreme weather conditions, including thunderstorms, hail, landslides and flash floods, have wreaked havoc in multiple areas of J&K as well as damaged apples and other orchards, causing huge losses.
“Three people were killed when the clouds exploded to attack the remote areas of Lambam,” officials said. The government urges locals to remain vigilant and follow government security advice. “The water flow is so strong that it takes the entire market. We can’t save anything,” said Laksh, a local.
As heavy rains triggered landslides and mountain flooding, the national expressways were blocked due to vehicle traffic in Pansia, Seri and other parts of the Ram region. Some vehicles also land in deep canyons, with more of them drowned in mud and hundreds of them still stranded. Several buildings were also damaged due to landslides. Rescue operations were delayed in multiple locations due to ongoing landslides, explosions in the clouds and heavy rain. However, the Quick Response Team later rescued more than 100 people from the area.
In Kashmir, hail and heavy rain have caused great damage to apple orchards, causing huge losses to farmers. The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and the industry have demanded immediate and adequate compensation for farmers.
“Extremely anguished by the tragic landslide and flash floods in Ramban, which have caused considerable damage to life and property…we are in touch with the local administration to ensure immediate rescue efforts wherever needed,” J&K CM Omar Abdullah has said. Union minister Jitendra Singh, Lok Sabha MP from Udhampur, informed that the “national highway stands blocked”.
