Srinagar: National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday expressed concern over the heavy damage caused by landslides and flash floods in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ramban district.
He said lives were lost, infrastructure was damaged, and many vehicles were trapped under debris and urged the central government to provide support and compensation.
“A huge loss has occurred in Ramban. There is a report of three deaths. Many vehicles are stuck under the debris. A lot of damage has been incurred. A bridge near a tunnel is damaged. There is a huge loss in Banihal as well. The Deputy Chief Minister has left for Ramban. Our ministers are also reaching out from Kashmir,” Farooq Abdullah told the media.
He assured that all help would be provided by the Jammu and Kashmir government and requested help from the Centre.
“This is a disaster and we will provide all the possible assistance we can. We have also requested that the centre help us in managing this disaster and compensate for the loss to some extent,” he said.
Several vehicles and people were feared trapped after a landslide hit the Shan Palace area in Ward No. 2 of Ramban following heavy rains.
Local police and hotel staff quickly reached the spot and rescued those who were trapped.
Visuals from the site showed vehicles buried under mud, stones, and debris. Shops and a restaurant were also damaged. Locals were seen standing on rooftops, trying to assess the extent of the damage.
So far, there is no official confirmation on the exact number of people trapped or any further casualties.