Ramban district has been gripped by a devastating natural calamity caused by continuous heavy rains. The calamity triggered a cloudburst and flash floods, causing panic across the district. Two minor siblings, along with another individual, lost their lives after their house collapsed in Seri Bagna village on Sunday. With the National Highway blocked at several points due to landslides and shooting stones, normal movement and immediate relief efforts were hampered. Two hotels, shops, and multiple houses have sustained considerable damage, forcing authorities to evacuate over a hundred people to safer locations. The officials are actively involved in ensuring that all necessary support, including financial aid and logistical assistance, reaches the affected families. The community has also been urged to remain calm as coordinated efforts continue to manage the emergency. The current crisis in Ramban comes at a time when Jammu and Kashmir is already witnessing unusual weather patterns. Just days before the calamity, Srinagar recorded its hottest April day in nearly 80 years, with temperatures soaring to 30.4 degrees Celsius — more than 10 degrees above the seasonal norm. The sudden spikes in temperature have followed years of below-average snowfall in the valley. Such erratic climatic behaviour is no longer rare in the region, and points to a larger, more worrying trend influenced by global warming. These rapid and unpredictable weather shifts increase the risk of disasters such as flash floods, landslides, and cloudbursts, particularly in mountainous terrains like those of Jammu and Kashmir. To address these growing environmental risks, a structured approach to climate resilience is being planned in the region. One of the key steps being taken is the establishment of a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) early warning system. This system aims to detect early signs of flooding caused by the sudden rupture of glacial lakes, a hazard intensified by the accelerated melting of glaciers due to rising global temperatures. The initiative involves setting up automated weather stations and real-time alert mechanisms at high-risk glacial lakes. This effort is being carried out in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority and a technical partner, ensuring a blend of local understanding and scientific expertise. To enhance preparedness, the Focused GLOF Monitoring Committee (FGMC) has conducted detailed expeditions to several glacial lakes, including those near the Amarnath Cave, such as Sheshnag and Sonsar. Teams have also assessed lakes in Kishtwar, such as Mundiksar and Hangu, and more remote locations like Gangabal Lake in the north-western Himalayas. In the broader context of global warming, regions like Jammu and Kashmir are particularly vulnerable due to their unique geography and dependency on seasonal climate patterns. The current situation in Ramban underscores the urgency of integrating climate science with on-ground planning. This includes investing in infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather, improving communication systems in remote areas, and ensuring that local communities are informed and trained to respond effectively during emergencies. Climate adaptation in such areas involves more than isolated interventions; it requires a continuous and evolving strategy that responds to the changing nature of our environment.
Nature’s Fury
