Jammu, Apr 21 (UNI) To assess the damages caused, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday visited the cloudburst and landslide-hit Ramban district.

Abdullah, speaking to reporters, said that all the possible support will be provided to the victims while the priority is to restore the suspended traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.

The Chief Minister said, “We will provide the compensation to sufferers and will also talk to the Centre in this regard.”

Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sunil Sharma, terming the cloudburst a “disaster” during a visit to the affected areas, said that the tragedy deserves to be declared a national disaster by the Centre.

“We will recommend to the Centre to declare this tragedy as a national disaster,” he said.

“People have a lot of hope in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. I want to assure them that both the central and UT leadership of the BJP are fully committed to providing all possible assistance to the victims of this disaster,” he expressed.

However, Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, who visited the spot, said that while the rain has stopped, assessment of road conditions is ongoing.

He said that the district administration is actively engaged in restoration efforts.

Relief requirements are also being assessed, and all damaged areas are under review to ensure proper support, he said, adding, “The DC and SSP teams are working round the clock with full support from the UT government.”

However, alternative routes have been arranged. Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) heading to Kashmir are being diverted via Mughal Road, while Sinthan Top is open for LMVs from 11:30 AM to 4:00 PM.

Authorities are also considering allowing double-axle Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMVs) on Mughal Road. “All teams are working together to ensure timely relief and maximum public support,” he said.

UNI VBH ARN