Danishwar Hameed
Ramban/Jammu, May 2: A cloudburst-induced spell of heavy rain triggered mudslides and flash floods in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ramban district on Friday, forcing the closure of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, officials said.
According to a traffic police officer, the downpour led to mudslides at Chamba Seri in Ramban, halting vehicular movement in both directions on the vital 250-kilometre stretch — the only all-weather road connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of the country.
"Vehicular movement has stopped from both sides on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway due to mudslides at Chamba Seri in Ramban following flash floods caused by a cloudburst,” the officer stated, advising commuters to avoid travel until the route is cleared. “Please check the status of roads before starting your journey.”
The cloudburst also caused a surge in water levels in the Chenab river, prompting authorities in the Reasi and Akhnoor sectors to issue advisories urging people to stay away from riverbanks.
No casualties or injuries have been reported so far, but officials confirmed that a landslide in Chamba blocked the highway. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has deployed three machines to clear the debris and restore traffic.
Authorities are monitoring the situation closely and have assured the public that efforts are underway to reopen the highway as soon as possible.
