Highway – Jammu-Srinagar Road Closed as Heavy Rain Triggers Fresh Landslides
Highway – Continuous heavy rainfall has severely affected normal life across Jammu and Kashmir, forcing the closure of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway while rescue teams continue efforts in flood and landslide-affected districts.
Persistent rainfall across the Jammu region has disrupted road connectivity and intensified the ongoing emergency response after multiple landslides blocked the strategic Jammu-Srinagar National Highway on Wednesday. Officials said the crucial route was shut to traffic after falling rocks, mudslides and debris were reported at several locations between Udhampur and Banihal. The highway serves as the primary all-weather connection between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of the country.
Highway Closed After Multiple Landslides
According to traffic authorities, vehicle movement from both directions was suspended around 9:30 am following continuous rainfall that triggered landslides and shooting stones at numerous vulnerable stretches. Road restoration teams equipped with heavy machinery have been deployed to clear debris and restore safe passage. Until weather conditions improve, officials have advised commuters to postpone travel on the highway to avoid unnecessary risks.
Rescue Efforts Continue in Affected Districts
Search operations remained underway in the flood-hit districts of Poonch and Rajouri, where seven people are still reported missing. Rescue personnel from the civil administration, police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and other emergency agencies have been working continuously to locate missing persons, evacuate stranded residents and provide relief to affected communities.
The prolonged spell of rain has also forced the suspension of major religious pilgrimages, including the Amarnath Yatra, Vaishno Devi Yatra and Machail Mata Yatra, which have remained halted since Sunday due to safety concerns.
Heavy Rainfall Recorded Across the Region
The Meteorological Department reported widespread rainfall across several districts during the previous 24 hours. Kathua received the highest rainfall at 153 mm, followed by Samba with 133 mm and Udhampur with 112.6 mm. Jammu city recorded 62.1 mm, while Katra received 58.5 mm. Rainfall measurements in Poonch and Rajouri stood at 51 mm and 40.5 mm respectively.
Weather officials have predicted that moderate to heavy rainfall is likely to continue until Thursday evening, raising concerns about additional landslides and flash floods in vulnerable areas.
Floodwaters Damage Infrastructure
Rising water levels have been reported in almost all major rivers and streams across the region. Several low-lying localities experienced flash flooding, with water entering residential buildings and commercial establishments. The continuous rainfall has also damaged roads, bridges and other public infrastructure while disrupting electricity and drinking water supply in several areas.
Since Sunday, at least 23 people have died in separate incidents linked to flash floods and landslides in the districts of Poonch, Rajouri and Doda. Authorities said the combination of severe weather and unstable terrain has significantly affected transportation and essential services.
Administration Focuses on Relief and Restoration
Officials said restoration of road connectivity, power supply and other essential public services remains a priority as emergency teams continue relief work. Residents have been urged to stay indoors unless travel is unavoidable and to avoid rivers, streams and landslide-prone locations. Authorities have also appealed to the public to follow official weather advisories and safety instructions as adverse weather conditions continue.
Ministers Review Relief Measures
Jammu and Kashmir Jal Shakti Minister Javed Ahmed Rana, accompanied by Youth Services and Sports Minister Satish Sharma, visited Rajouri district to assess the flood situation and review relief operations. The ministers inspected the Relief and Rehabilitation Centre established at Government Boys Higher Secondary School in Rajouri, where displaced families have been provided temporary shelter.
During their visit, they interacted with affected residents and reviewed arrangements related to accommodation, food, drinking water, medical assistance and other essential facilities. Officials said the government continues to monitor the situation closely while coordinating efforts to support affected families and restore normalcy across the region