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The Kishtwar-Siddhan route was also blocked due to a sudden flood in Synchrony Nalla in Kishtwar district. It is advisable not to travel on the highway until the weather improves and the road is cleaned.
Jammu: The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway was closed due to heavy landslides in Ramban district on Wednesday, which disrupted traffic. Thousands of people including Amarnath pilgrims were trapped due to the closure of the highway. The supply of essential commodities has also been disrupted. Torrential rains continued for the third day on Wednesday in Jammu region. Rivers and most reservoirs are in spate due to rising water level. Officials said that the district officials are closely monitoring the weather conditions and have taken necessary steps to deal with any situation amid the sudden flood warning issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) till July 24.
Advice not to travel on the highway
A traffic department official said that a landslide caused by a sudden flood affected a bridge tunnel near Magarkot in Ramban district, blocking the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, which is the only route connecting Kashmir to the rest of the country. He said that there was another landslide on the highway near Seri amid heavy rains. The spokesman said that the agencies concerned have deployed their personnel and machines to remove debris together at both places to make the traffic smooth on the road. District administration officials have advised the people not to travel on the highway until the weather improves. Officials said that thousands of people, including two convoys of Amarnath pilgrims returning from Kashmir, are stranded at various places.
Control room on district headquarters established
Officials said that the Kishtwar-Siddhan route was also blocked due to a sudden flood in Synchrony Nallah in Kishtwar district. Officials said that various connectivity routes have been closed due to landslides in Rajouri, Poonch, Reasi, Udhampur, Doda and Ramban districts. He said that efforts are on to clean all these roads. Officials said that many raw houses and cowsheds have also been damaged due to rain. But the exact number will be known only after detailed assessment. In view of heavy rains, 24 × 7 control rooms were set up at all district headquarters of Jammu division. Officials said the step was taken after IMD issued a guideline bulletin, which warned of a sudden moderate risk of floods in Jammu division in the next 24 hours. Officials said the District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMA) have been requested to take necessary precautions and measures according to the protocol established to ensure public safety and reduce risks.
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