Flash Floods: A wake-up call
By: Er Navaid Runyal
August 2025 has shaken Jammu & Kashmir to its core. Barely months after Ramban faced the wrath of nature; Kishtwar is now reeling under the devastating impact of cloudbursts and flash floods. Two districts, geographically apart but emotionally connected through shared suffering, have once again reminded us that climate change is no longer a distant threat — it is here, it is real, and it is merciless.
This is not just a story of rising waters and destroyed homes; it’s a story of families uprooted, livelihoods washed away, and the unshakable resilience of the people of J&K who, despite repeated blows, continue to stand tall.
From Ramban to Kishtwar – A Timeline of Tragedy
Earlier this year, in April Ramban district was struck by unprecedented floods. Torrential rains triggered massive landslides, cutting off the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway and leaving thousands stranded. Villages along the Chenab and its tributaries saw agricultural fields vanish under muddy torrents. Livestock was lost, roads were washed away, and hopes for a normal year crumbled.
Before Ramban could even recover, Kishtwar was hit by a cloudburst. In a matter of minutes, entire stretches of land were swallowed by fast-moving water and debris. Flash floods surged through villages, sweeping away homes, bridges, and roads. Rescue teams battled treacherous conditions to save those trapped, but the scale of destruction has left scars that will take years to heal.
The back-to-back nature of these disasters is alarming. Each event is devastating on its own, but when they come in quick succession, recovery becomes nearly impossible. Families in Ramban were still patching up broken walls when the news of Kishtwar’s tragedy came in, leaving the entire Jammu region in a state of collective grief.
Understanding the Science – Why Are Floods Increasing?
For generations, the people of Jammu & Kashmir have lived in harmony with rivers and mountains. Floods and landslides were not unknown, but their frequency and intensity have risen sharply in the past decade. Experts point to a combination of factors:
Climate Change:
Rising global temperatures have disrupted traditional weather patterns. Warmer air holds more moisture, leading to sudden, intense rainfall events — the perfect recipe for cloudbursts.
Glacial Melt:
The Himalayas are experiencing accelerated glacier retreat. Melting glaciers feed rivers more rapidly, increasing their volume and making them more prone to flooding during heavy rains.
Deforestation & Unplanned Construction:
Large-scale cutting of forests and haphazard road building have destabilized slopes. Without the natural barrier of trees, rainwater runs off quickly, triggering landslides and flash floods.
River Encroachment:
Construction too close to riverbanks reduces their carrying capacity, forcing water to overflow during high rainfall.
The Human Cost
Numbers can never fully capture the pain of loss, but they help us understand the magnitude. In Ramban, hundreds of families lost their homes in April, and many are still living in temporary shelters. In Kishtwar, the latest floods have displaced hundreds more. Schools have been turned into relief camps, where children sleep on mats and elders silently stare into the night, wondering what tomorrow holds.
The economic loss is staggering. Farmers who depend on seasonal crops have seen their fields covered in silt and debris. Roads that connect markets to villages are now impassable. For those who have lost breadwinners, the tragedy is personal and permanent.
But perhaps the most heartbreaking sight is the look in the eyes of the survivors — a mixture of exhaustion, fear, and a quiet determination to rebuild.
Are We Prepared for the Next One?
The honest answer is: not enough. Despite the 2014 floods that drowned much of Kashmir Valley, flood management in J&K remains reactive rather than preventive. The recent disasters have exposed weaknesses:
Poor Early Warning Systems: Many residents reported they had no prior warning before floodwaters hit.
Inadequate Drainage Infrastructure: Urban areas face waterlogging within hours of heavy rain.
Weak Disaster-Resilient Construction: Most rural homes are not built to withstand extreme weather events.
Slow Relief Response in Remote Areas: Villages cut off by landslides often wait days before help arrives.
The Road Ahead – What Needs to Change
If we are to break this cycle of disaster, we must change our approach immediately.
Strengthen Early Warning Systems
Every village in flood-prone districts must have functional sirens, mobile alerts, and trained local volunteers who can warn residents.
Climate-Resilient Infrastructure
Roads, bridges, and homes must be built using modern engineering techniques that can withstand heavy rain, floods, and landslides.
Afforestation Drives
Replanting trees is not just an environmental slogan — it’s a life-saving measure. Forest cover slows down water runoff and stabilizes slopes.
Strict Regulation of Construction
No building should be allowed on riverbanks or known flood plains. Illegal encroachments must be removed.
Community-Based Disaster Management
Local youth must be trained in first aid, rescue techniques, and emergency communication so that help is available instantly, even before outside teams arrive.
An Emotional Bond Between Ramban and Kishtwar
For those living outside J&K, Ramban and Kishtwar may be just names on a map. But for us, they are intertwined through history, culture, and kinship. Families have relatives across these districts; markets, marriages, and memories bind us together.
When Ramban cried in April, Kishtwar wept with it. And now, as Kishtwar struggles, Ramban stands in solidarity. Volunteers from Ramban have already begun collecting blankets, clothes, and food for their neighbors. This is the beauty of our land — no matter how fierce the disaster, our compassion runs deeper than the floodwaters.
A Message to the Authorities
These disasters should not just be a paragraph in an annual report or a photo-op for visiting officials. The people of J&K are tired of promises made after every calamity and forgotten when the news cycle moves on. We need long-term solutions, not just relief kits. We need action before the next flood, not sympathy after it.
A Message to Ourselves
While the government has a major role, we too must take responsibility. Protecting our environment, avoiding construction on fragile slopes, planting trees, and staying informed are duties we cannot ignore. Every small step we take towards sustainability will help reduce the impact of future disasters.
Conclusion – The Mountains Are Speaking
Ramban’s April floods and Kishtwar’s August cloudburst are not isolated events. They are warnings. The mountains are speaking, and the rivers are roaring, telling us that our relationship with nature is out of balance.
If we listen and act now, we can prevent more loss of life and property. But if we continue to treat these disasters as one-off tragedies, the next flood will not just destroy homes — it will wash away our future.
The people of J&K have endured centuries of challenges and stood resilient. Today, we must pair that resilience with foresight, planning, and unity. Because while we cannot stop the rain, we can certainly prepare for the storm.
Here’s the final emotional paragraph you can add to close the article with a powerful touch: And yet, amid the ruins, one truth stands unshaken — we are the children of these mountains, the heirs of these rivers, and the voice of this land. Our roots run deep into this soil that has both nurtured and tested us. The floods may take our homes, but they cannot drown our courage; the landslides may block our paths, but they cannot bury our hope. From Ramban to Kishtwar, our tears have mingled with the Chenab, carrying with them a silent promise — that we will rebuild, we will protect, and we will stand for each other like the mountains stand for us. Because no storm, no matter how fierce, can wash away the bond we share with our land and with one another.
(The author is a Geotechnical engineer from Marnal Maligam( Pogal Paristan) Ramban)
