J-K: Heavy rain triggers mudslides, shooting stones on NH44; traffic suspended
Jammu, July 22
Traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway has been suspended due to heavy and incessant rainfall, triggering mudslides and shooting stones at multiple locations along the highway.
No vehicles are being allowed to proceed from either Qazigund in Kashmir or Udhampur towards Ramban amid the adverse weather conditions.
The region has been witnessing rainfall for the past two days.
Heavy rainfall also lashed Bhalesa in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district, causing rivers, streams and drains to swell and damaging houses, crops and agricultural land. Amid flash floods, cloudbursts and landslides, the administrations of Doda and Kishtwar have urged people to avoid high-altitude, landslide-prone and riverbank areas until weather conditions improve.
Meanwhile, thick fog enveloped the mountains of Ramban following heavy rainfall across the region, causing a noticeable drop in temperature. The continuous rain has transformed the surrounding hills into mist-covered vistas, while low-hanging clouds and dense fog reduced visibility in several areas.
The continuous rainfall in Reasi and upper catchment areas has triggered a surge in water inflow into the Salal reservoir, prompting authorities to open all gates of the dam to regulate the rising water level.
The increased inflow and release of water from the dam have caused the Chenab River to swell, with strong currents and elevated water levels being witnessed downstream. Heavy rainfall has been lashing the Reasi region for the past several hours, leading to a significant rise in water inflow into the Chenab River and Salal Dam reservoir.
Authorities are closely monitoring weather conditions and the river's water level. People, particularly those living in low-lying areas and along the banks of the Chenab, have been advised to remain vigilant and avoid venturing close to the river.
Heavy rainfall lashed Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district from early Tuesday morning, prompting the district administration and Rajouri Police to issue advisories urging residents to remain alert amid fears of rising river water levels, flash floods, landslides and waterlogging.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I'm from Srinagar and this affects us all. The highway is our lifeline - when it's closed, essentials like medicines and vegetables become scarce. The administration needs to coordinate better with the Met department to give us advance warning. Also, please stay safe everyone, especially near the Chenab river. 🙏
It's good that they opened the Salal dam gates to manage water levels - better safe than sorry. But why is this happening every monsoon? Climate change is real, and we need to invest in better infrastructure. The fog and reduced visibility in Ramban is also concerning for any vehicles that might be stranded. Hope everyone is safe.
As someone from the US who has traveled to Srinagar for work, I can't imagine the hardship this causes. The landslides on NH44 are no joke - I remember seeing the aftermath of a mudslide near Ramban. The authorities there are very dedicated. Stay strong, J&K.
I appreciate that the district administrations are issuing advisories, but I wish they had also provided alternative routes or updates on when the highway might reopen. My cousin is stuck in Jammu and needs to get back to college in Srinagar. The rain is relentless - hope it stops soon. 😔
The heavy rain in Rajouri is especially worrying - I have family there. The Chenab river swelling is no joke, and the advisory to avoid riverbanks is wise. But why is there no mention of relief camps? People in low-lying areas might need evacuation. J&K needs long-term climate adaptation plans, not just reactive measures.
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