Ramban, Apr 29: A minor boy was killed on Monday as landslides and shooting stones hit Tatarsoo area, damaging two houses following incessant rains that badly impacted normal life all across Ramban and neighbouring districts of Doda and Kishtwar.
Officials said, “Normal life has come to a grinding halt since Monday morning as incessant rains have wreaked havoc across the Ramban district. Almost all link roads, leading to the district headquarter town and tehsils are closed due to land and mudslides at various places on these roads.”
Power and water supply was also disrupted in many areas of the district.
Following heavy rains, landslides and shooting stones hit Tatarsoo area in Ramban this afternoon, damaging two to three houses wherein a minor boy was killed.
“Hit by landslide in Tatarsoo-Karool area, a minor boy fell along the embankments of river Chenab. Later, his body was retrieved by the joint rescue teams of police and local volunteers,” officials said.
Police identified the deceased boy as Yaqoof Mir, 13, son of Hassan Din Mir, resident of Karool, Ramban. His body was handed over to the family for last rites, police said.
Officials said two to three houses suffered damages there.
Meanwhile, eight families were shifted to safer places after their houses developed cracks near the Deputy Commissioner’s office complex in Govindpura of Maitra in Ramban today.
Two houses were damaged in Ward 2, Batsool, Panchayat of Seri in Ramban. One house collapsed in Ward 2, Chachwa, Gool. Two houses suffered damages due to mudslides in Shalgari, Chambalwass area of Banihal.
In Lonepora, the Dooligam area was disconnected due to flash floods in a nullah after a temporary bridge connecting Faiz Mohalla at Koot in Dooligam, Banihal suffered damage.
Later, Deputy Commissioner Ramban, Basheer-Ul Haq Chaudhary issued an advisory. “Due to inclement weather and continuous rains in the district Ramban, the general public is advised to avoid unnecessary travelling or venturing out, stay informed and keep track of weather updates and alerts from local authorities,” the advisory read.
“Be vigilant and stay away from sinking and sliding areas. Stay away from flooded streets, rivers, and streams. Look out for elderly neighbours, patients, persons with disabilities, and others who may need assistance during severe weather. In case of any emergency or untoward incident, immediately report to administration Ramban through the 24×7 Control Room on the given contract numbers: 01998295500, 01998266790. Stay safe and be vigilant during continuous rains, especially in rural and hilly areas. Your safety is our top priority,” DC said.
Meanwhile, on the other hand, land subsidence continued in the Parnote area on the fifth consecutive day. The affected families have been temporarily accommodated in the Community Centre Ramban and the houses of their relatives and neighbours.
Deputy Commissioner, Baseer-Ul-Haq Chaudhary said that land subsidence continued and all the 100 families along with their livestock were evacuated from Nemad and Telga wards of Parnote to safer places as precautionary measures so far.
He said despite the challenges posed by inclement weather, families were relocated to the Community Hall Maitra, Ramban, with relief and support services operating from Parnote Panchayat. “The administration is on high alert and is monitoring the situation. Temporary relief camps and community kitchens were established, and teams of geologists, NDRF, NDRF, SDRF, Police, Civil QRT, medical teams and other social organizations were stationed for rescue operations,” he said.
A 24X7 control room, supervised by Nodal Officer Camp (BDO Ramban) Yasir Wani, has been established in the area.
On the other hand, all the government and private schools remained closed due to inclement weather in Ramban and Doda. They will remain closed tomorrow also.