Ramban (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], April 22 (ANI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited the landslide-hit Ramban district on Monday to take stock of the situation and assess the ground situation.

The Deputy Commissioner Ramban and senior civil and police officials accompanied the Chief Minister. CM Abdullah travelled by road from Srinagar to reach Marog, one of the worst-hit villages. Demonstrating the deep concern and commitment of his government, he trekked several kilometres on foot through rugged terrain to reach Kela Morh, where the cloudburst had triggered flash floods, leaving a trail of destruction, said an official statement from the Department of Information and Public Relations of Jammu and Kashmir.

Interacting with local residents and officials from the district administration, the Chief Minister was briefed on the scale of the damage and the progress of ongoing rescue and relief operations. He expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and assured that the government stands shoulder to shoulder with the victims of this tragedy.

'The scale of destruction is deeply distressing. Our administration is on the ground, working tirelessly to ensure the safety, relief, and rehabilitation of every affected family,' CM Omar Abdullah said.

'We will leave no stone unturned in standing by our people during this difficult time,' he added.

He further directed the concerned departments to expedite restoration work on the highway so that vehicular movement could resume as soon as possible.

The district administration informed the Chief Minister that clearance operations are in full swing. Teams from the Public Works Department (PWD), Border Roads Organisation (BRO), disaster response units, police, volunteers, and the local population are working around the clock to remove mudslides and boulders and restore normalcy in the affected area.

In the Ramban region, flash floods and landslides triggered by heavy rains in the early hours of Sunday caused widespread damage. At least three people, including two children, lost their lives in Bagahana village after two houses collapsed due to a landslide.

Jammu-Srinagar National Highway has been closed for the second consecutive day following incessant rains, hailstorm and landslide. However, restoration and clearance work are underway in Ramban. (ANI)