Cloudburst In Ramban Kills Three, Five Missing; Jammu Faces Worst Floods In A Century

At least three people were killed after a cloudburst struck Rajgarh tehsil in Jammu and Kashmir's Ramban district, officials confirmed on Saturday. Five others are reported missing, prompting an immediate rescue operation by local authorities to trace them.

The Union Territory has been battered by incessant rainfall over the past few days, triggering multiple cloudbursts and flash floods. A similar incident occurred in the Gurez sector of Bandipora district on Friday, sparking panic among residents. Fortunately, no casualties were reported there.

With the situation worsening, Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to announce a substantial relief package. Choudhary recalled that after the 2014 Kashmir floods, the Centre had sanctioned an ₹80,000-crore package. He now demands a ₹1.60-lakh-crore package for Jammu, insisting the funds should go directly to affected families.

"This time Jammu has faced an even greater disaster than Kashmir did in 2014. The damage is immense, and people need urgent help. A package bigger than ₹80,000 crore is necessary for rehabilitation," he said.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded an orange alert for several districts including Rajouri, Reasi, Jammu, Udhampur, Kathua, and Samba. The advisory warns of heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. A yellow alert has also been issued for Ramban, Kishtwar, and Doda, forecasting moderate showers with occasional storms.

Authorities have cautioned residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert as the risk of landslides, flash floods, and road blockages remains high. Emergency teams have been deployed across the affected districts, and relief operations are underway.

The fresh spell of extreme weather highlights the increasing frequency of cloudbursts and floods in Jammu and Kashmir, raising concerns about preparedness and disaster management in the Himalayan region.