Jammu and Kashmir Reels from Deadly Landslides and Cloudbursts: Family of Seven Perishes in Reasi Tragedy

Jammu and Kashmir is currently enduring a severe spell of extreme weather, with devastating consequences. A heart-wrenching tragedy unfolded in the remote village of Kunda, located in the Pouni area of Reasi district, where a massive landslide, triggered by incessant heavy rainfall, tragically claimed the lives of an entire family of seven.

The victims, identified as 35-year-old Mohd Sharief, his 30-year-old wife Zubaida Begum, and their five young children – Mohd Razaq (15), Shahbaz (13), Noreen (7), Faizaan (5), and two-month-old Salma – were buried alive under tonnes of earth and debris as their home collapsed in the early hours of Wednesday.

The incident has sent shockwaves across the region, highlighting the extreme vulnerability of communities living in hilly terrains during the monsoon season.

Rescue operations were swiftly launched by local police and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel, who worked tirelessly through challenging conditions to retrieve the bodies from the rubble. The sheer scale of the tragedy has left local authorities and residents grief-stricken.

This devastating landslide is not an isolated incident.

Jammu and Kashmir has been reeling from a series of natural calamities. The Ramban district, in particular, has witnessed multiple cloudbursts and flash floods, leading to significant damage. Homes have been inundated, agricultural land washed away, and vital infrastructure severely impacted. The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44), a crucial lifeline connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India, has been repeatedly shut down due to mudslides, shooting stones, and rising water levels at various points, particularly in areas like Cafeteria Morh and Dalwas in Ramban, and the Peerha-Kunfer stretch.

The relentless rainfall has caused rivers and streams to swell dangerously, prompting warnings for residents living in low-lying and flood-prone areas.

Several districts have reported extensive property damage and disruptions to essential services. Authorities are struggling to manage the crisis, with rescue and relief operations underway in multiple affected areas.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed profound grief over the loss of lives in Reasi.

In a statement, he conveyed his deepest condolences to the bereaved family and assured that all possible assistance would be provided to those affected by these natural disasters. As the region braces for more rainfall, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of residents and providing timely aid to those displaced or impacted by the relentless forces of nature.