The strategic Jammu-Srinagar National Highway has been closed to all vehicular traffic following landslides and shooting stones triggered by heavy rainfall in multiple locations across Ramban district, officials said today.
According to Jammu and Kashmir Police, the highway remains blocked at several points due to shooting stones and landslides, making travel unsafe.
“The vehicular movement has been suspended while commuters are advised not to take journey till the weather improves and road is clear,” they said adding that men and machinery are engaged in road clearance.
Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department (MeT) has issued a forecast warning of continued rainfall and thunderstorms across the region.
“For August 18?19, the forecast includes light to moderate rain with thunder in most areas, with intense showers and heavy rainfall likely in districts including Reasi, Udhampur, Rajouri, Poonch, Samba, and Kathua,” the MeT forcast said.
Moderate to heavy rainfall is also expected in Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, and some areas of the Kashmir Division, accompanied by gusty winds.
From August 20?22, the weather is expected to turn hot and humid, though brief thundershowers may occur at isolated locations, with heavy rain possible in Jammu, Kathua, and Samba districts.
Between August 23?25, the region may experience light to moderate rain and thundershowers across many places, with heavy rainfall at isolated locations in both Jammu and Kashmir divisions.
