Raman Suri seeks swift gov action to assess storm damages, protection for J&K residents

JAMMU: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) executive member Raman Suri has called on the government to urgently assess the extensive damage caused by the high-velocity storm that struck Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. The storm, which escalated into hurricane-like conditions in several areas, caused widespread disruption, particularly in the Jammu division, with significant losses to farmers, fruit growers, and infrastructure.

The devastating weather event led to the collapse of a house and two shops in Chasana, Reasi district, due to a cloudburst, with a car buried under debris and several animals lost. Uprooted trees, damaged crops, and fruit plants have severely impacted the livelihoods of farmers and growers. The storm also caused extensive damage to the electricity infrastructure, with over a hundred poles and a dozen transformers destroyed in Jammu district alone.

The back wall of the secretariat in Jammu collapsed under which several vehicles suffered damages, and hailstorms in Udhampur further compounded the destruction. “The government must immediately deploy teams to assess the losses suffered by our people, especially farmers and fruit growers, who are the backbone of our economy,” said Suri. “Prompt compensation must be provided to help them recover from this unforeseen calamity.”

Raman Suri also highlighted the Meteorological Department’s forecast of continued rainfall and potential snowfall in higher areas until April 21, 2025, with a yellow warning issued for farmers to suspend agricultural activities. Dust storms are expected to resume from the evening of April 18, posing further risks. “Given the prediction of more adverse weather, the government must act proactively to safeguard lives and property,” Suri urged.

“The disaster management team should be pressed into service immediately to ensure adequate measures are in place to mitigate further damage.” Suri emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to restore normalcy and protect vulnerable communities. “We stand with the people of Jammu and Kashmir in this challenging time and demand swift action to address their plight,” he said.