Search operations are ongoing in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ramban district to locate four missing persons following a devastating cloudburst that occurred on August 26, 2024. The incident, which struck the Panchayats of Kumate, Dhraman, and Halla in Rajgarh tehsil, triggered severe flash floods in the Tanger and Dadi streams, leading to significant destruction and loss of life.
Current Status of the Search Operations
As of September 2, 2024, rescue teams have recovered the bodies of three individuals, including a 12-year-old boy, Khalid Ahmed Parihar, and a 20-year-old man, Yasir Ahmad. The body of a six-year-old girl, Shazia Banoo, was also found, increasing the death toll to three. The search continues for four missing individuals:
- Naseema Begum (42), Yasir Ahmad’s mother
- Shazia Banoo (6), Yasir’s sister
- Gulshan Begum (42), Khalid’s mother
- Seerat Banoo (8), Khalid’s sister
Additionally, six-year-old Qazia Banoo from Dungar Dandllah is also unaccounted for.
Challenges Faced by Rescue Teams
The search efforts have been hampered by continuous rainfall, which has caused the rivulets to swell, making access to the affected areas challenging. It reportedly took rescue teams nearly three hours to reach the impacted villages on foot due to the adverse weather conditions. The rescue operation involves personnel from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), local police, and community volunteers, all working tirelessly to locate the missing persons and provide support to the affected families.
The cloudburst has not only resulted in tragic loss of life but has also caused significant infrastructural damage. At least four government schools and other structures have been affected, with several vehicles washed away by the floods. Local authorities are assessing the full extent of the damage and coordinating relief efforts for the affected communities.
The situation remains critical as rescue operations continue, with hopes of finding the missing individuals still alive. The community and local authorities are rallying together to support those impacted by this natural disaster.