Ramban/Srinagar, Apr 21 — Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday visited the landslide-hit areas of Ramban after a stretch of the Jammu-Srinagar highway collapsed due to a cloudburst and landslides, assuring relief to the affected families.
Three people, including two minor siblings, died in the cloudburst triggered flash floods and landslides, blocking the highway and damaging nearby homes.
“This is a local disaster, but we will provide compensation and also talk to the Centre for support,” Omar told reporters at the site.
He said efforts were underway to reopen the highway and clear the debris.
“Several vehicles are trapped. The road has collapsed and may need to be realigned. Restoration work is being taken up on priority,” he said.
Earlier, Omar told reporters in Srinagar that the Deputy Chief Minister and two local MLAs were sent to assess the situation, and funds from the Prime Minister’s relief fund and other sources were being arranged.
He also warned against hoarding and black marketing amid the highway closure.
“There is no shortage of essentials. Police have been directed to act against those trying to inflate prices or hoard supplies. Arrests will be made if needed,” he said.
Omar urged people to report any such incidents to the authorities and said the Mughal Road could be used for supply movement if required.
Several families from the affected areas were evacuated and moved to safer locations after the incident.
Pertinently, the Srinagar-Jammu highway has been closed for six days as stated by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
(KNO Inputs)
