Groom, With Wedding Procession, Travels On Foot As Jammu-Srinagar National Highway Closed Due To Landslides In Ramban (Screengrab) | X/@ANI
Ramban: Flash floods and landslides triggered by heavy rains have caused widespread devastation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ramban district. Normal life was thrown out of gear in the district. Amid the destruction caused by heavy rains, a groom, with the wedding procession, has to travel on foot to reach his wedding as the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway is closed due to landslides.
The wedding procession started travelling at 6 am. While speaking to news agency ANI, Mashkoor said that he would bring his bride in the same way.
Groom Travelling On Foot:
“It is my wedding day… This is the situation because of the heavy rainfall yesterday… We have to go on foot… We started travelling at 6 am. We parked our cars behind and now we will walk the rest of the way. We still have around 7-8 km more to walk. We would bring the bride the same way, as the roads are not cleared,” the groom told the news agency.
He requested the government to clear NH 44. ” We request the government to clear NH 44 as soon as possible,” he added.
Flash Floods In Ramban:
Flash floods and landslides wreaked havoc in Ramban on Sunday. At least three people, including two children, lost their lives in Bagahana village after two houses collapsed due to a landslide.
According to Deputy Commissioner Baseer-Ul-Haq Chaudhary, approximately 200-250 houses have been damaged, with Ramban being the most severely affected.
“Due to incessant rainfall and cloudburst, the National Highway was closed at several places. In Ramban, houses and hotels have been damaged,” Chaudhary told ANI, adding that the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local teams are on-site for rescue operations.
The Indian Army and local administration have launched massive relief efforts, including setting up medical aid camps, distributing essential medicines, and ensuring access to food and drinking water.
Indian Army Rescue Operation:
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Chaudhary visited Ramban to take stock of the ground situation, while Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed grief over the loss of lives and assured all support from the government.
“Extremely anguished by the tragic landslide and flash flood in Ramban, which has caused considerable damage to life and property. My thoughts are with the affected families in this difficult hour. We are in touch with the local administration to ensure immediate rescue efforts wherever needed,” said Abdullah in a statement shared by the Chief Minister’s Office.
Meanwhile, authorities have urged residents to stay indoors, avoid travelling along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, and follow official advisories until the weather improves and clearing operations are completed.
