Ramban Landslide: Indian Army in Aid to Civil Authority

In April 2025, Ramban district in Jammu and Kashmir witnessed a terrifying natural disaster that shook its mountainous terrain and disrupted thousands of lives.

- SYED SHOWKET

A severe cloudburst, followed by relentless rainfall, triggered massive landslides, flash floods, and road blockages particularly along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44). The destruction was extensive. Amidst the chaos, the Indian Army emerged as a pillar of strength, rushing to the scene to assist civil authorities and protect the people.

The hilly terrain, already prone to landslides, was overwhelmed by the unexpected deluge. Within minutes, water came rushing down slopes, dragging mud, boulders, and debris into settlements. Several houses were crushed, vehicles were stranded, and the Valley's lifeline connecting it to the rest of India was completely halted. The flash floods severely impacted the Dharam kund and Bagahana regions, where at least three people, including children, tragically lost their lives.

The first wave of panic was quickly met with a coordinated response from local authorities. Ramban Deputy Commissioner Baseer-ul-Haq Chaudhary and Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar activated the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police contingents, and emergency services. Nearly 100 residents were relocated from the affected villages. Relief camps were set up in schools and government buildings, while medical camps provided urgent care to the injured and displaced.