August 30, 2025 | Srinagar : Jammu and Kashmir continues to reel under nature’s fury as incessant rains, cloudbursts, and landslides have left behind widespread devastation across the region. In the latest incidents, a landslide in Reasi and a cloudburst in Ramban have claimed at least 11 lives, adding to the already grim toll of over 120 deaths in August alone due to weather-related disasters.
Fresh Tragedies in Reasi and Ramban
Officials confirmed that the Reasi landslide buried a home and damaged road links to interior villages, leaving families trapped and rescue operations. hampered. In Ramban, a sudden cloudburst washed away temporary shelters, livestock, and stretches of the Srinagar–Jammu highway, disrupting vital connectivity.
Srinagar–Jammu Highway Blocked for Fifth Day
The Srinagar–Jammu National Highway, the only all-weather road linking the Valley with the rest of the country, remained closed for the fifth consecutive day on Saturday due to multiple landslides and shooting stones triggered by heavy rainfall. This has left thousands of vehicles, including trucks carrying essential supplies, stranded at various points, causing shortages of perishable goods and severe inconvenience to passengers. Restoration work is underway but continuous rainfall is hampering clearance operations.
Month of Destruction Across J&K
Throughout August, districts including Doda ,Kishtwar, Reasi, Udhampur, Bandipora, Kupwara, Rajouri, Poonch, and Anantnag have faced floods and landslides triggered by torrential rains. Standing crops, orchards, and vital infrastructure like bridges, culverts, and power supply lines have been badly damaged. Hundreds of families remain in temporary relief camps after losing their homes.
Ecological Alarm Raised
Environmental experts and civil society have once again cautioned that unchecked deforestation, illegal mining, and unplanned construction are worsening the fragility of the Himalayan ecosystem. They stress that disasters like floods, landslides, and cloudbursts are no longer “natural” alone but aggravated by human negligence.
Rescue and Relief Challenges
Despite continuous efforts by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, and local volunteers, access to remote hilly belts remains extremely difficult due to blocked highways and washed-away roads. Authorities have sounded advisories, urging residents near rivers, streams, and landslide-prone slopes to remain vigilant.
The government has assured all possible assistance, but for thousands of families across Jammu and Kashmir, this monsoon season has turned into a nightmare of loss, hardship, and displacement.
Report: Mansoor Qadir, ITN.
