Ramban (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], April 20 (ANI): Ramban SSP Kulbir Singh on Sunday stated that all police stations in the district have been alerted after landslides hit several areas in Jammu and Kashmir's Ramban district.

Speaking to ANI, Singh confirmed that many houses and vehicles were damaged due to the landslides.

'All police stations have been alerted. Several houses and vehicles have been damaged in Ramban. The National Highway has been blocked. Around 100 people have been rescued from Dharam Kund. Three people have lost their lives in Baghana Village due to a house collapsing. Rescue operation is underway on the National Highway as well,' SSP Ramban Kulbir Singh said.

Heavy rains in Ramban on Sunday triggered landslides, blocking the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) and damaging many homes and vehicles.

Authorities have asked people to avoid travelling on the highway until the weather improves and clearing operations are completed.

'The national highway (Jammu-Srinagar NH in Ramban district) is completely blocked (due to landslides). Avoid this highway till the weather improves. Clearance work is ongoing, but it does not seem that the highway will open before evening or tomorrow because it is raining continuously,' he said.

Landslides caused by heavy rainfall and hailstorms damaged several buildings and vehicles in the area.

Earlier in the day, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also expressed grief over the landslides and flash floods in Ramban.

In a post shared by the Chief Minister's Office on X, Omar Abdullah said, 'Extremely anguished by the tragic landslide and flash flood in Ramban, which has caused considerable damage to life and property. My thoughts are with the affected families in this difficult hour. We are in touch with the local administration to ensure immediate rescue efforts wherever needed. Later today, I will be reviewing restoration, relief, and repair plans. For now, the focus remains on managing the situation on the ground. Citizens are advised to follow travel advisories and avoid non-essential movement in vulnerable areas.'

He also extended condolences to the families of the victims and assured that relief and rescue work is in progress. (ANI)