At least three people lost their lives and two others went missing after a cloudburst hit Ramban district in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, officials confirmed.

Search and Rescue Efforts Underway

Authorities launched a search operation to trace the missing persons. Several houses in the affected area were damaged during the incident, adding to the widespread destruction caused by relentless rainfall.

Orange Alert Issued in Jammu Region

The weather department issued an orange alert for Ramban, Jammu, Poonch, Kishtwar, and Udhampur districts as heavy downpours continued. The alert came as the region has been grappling with severe floods and landslides for days.

So far, at least 36 people have died in rain-related incidents across Jammu and Kashmir this week. Officials also reported extensive damage to roads, homes, and public infrastructure, leaving many residents stranded.

Road Connectivity Severely Affected

Continuous rainfall disrupted road networks. The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, a key lifeline for the region, suffered major damage. “Several roads were damaged due to the rain in the past few days. The NH-44 is closed. It might open this evening or by tomorrow morning," Deputy Commissioner Ashok Kumar Sharma told ANI.

Schools Ordered Shut Across Jammu Division

In view of the worsening situation, authorities ordered schools in the Jammu division to remain shut until August 30. Officials also directed schools to explore the option of online classes for students in Classes 9 to 12 to minimize academic disruptions.