Cloudburst and lightning kill 5 with hundreds evacuated in Jammu and Kashmir

By Nusrat Sidiq

SRINAGAR, Jammu and Kashmir (AA) - At least five people have been killed in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir in two days of heavy rainfall and gusty winds, officials said on Sunday.

Authorities said a cloudburst struck the village of Seri Bagna in Ramban, Jammu early Sunday, killing three people, including two minors.

Reports also indicated extensive damage to livestock, houses, vehicles, and roads in the region.

On Saturday night, two people were killed and a woman injured after being struck by lightning in the Arnas area of the Reasi district, also located in Jammu.

Ramban district administrator Baseer Ul-Haq told Anadolu by phone that rescue operations are ongoing and added: “We are assessing the situation. Unfortunately, today three people have lost their life, including two minors. There’s damage to life and property and the rescue teams on the ground are working hard to control the situation.”

He said more than 100 people who were trapped had been evacuated to safer areas.

- Roads and apple harvest

The 250-kilometer (155-mile) National Highway, a key all-weather road connecting Kashmir’s Ramban region with the rest of India, was closed after landslides and flash floods caused panic, leaving vehicles transporting food supplies stranded.

Officials said parts of the road were swept away by floods and many vehicles are stuck under debris.

“Restoration work is going on. We are urging people not to venture out and to follow traffic guidelines,” an advisory from the regional traffic police said.

Hailstorms and constant rain have also devastated the apple farming sector, particularly in south Kashmir’s Shopian district, known as the Apple Bowl of Kashmir.

Apple orchardist Fayaz Ahmad Khanday called the situation gruesome, saying: “The hailstorm left nothing. All the blooming flowers are on the ground.” He estimated more than 80% of the crop was damaged, endangering the apple harvest.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that his office was convening a meeting Sunday to assess the situation and plan relief and rehabilitation efforts.

Several political and social leaders in the region expressed grief over the loss of life and property and called for immediate aid to affected communities.

Earlier this week, the meteorologists forecast heavy rain and issued flash flood warnings for the region.