In Jammu and Kashmir, the 275 Kms long Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH44) was closed for vehicular traffic today following multiple landslides triggered by rains that lashed wide parts of the Union Territory overnight. Akashvani Jammu Correspondent reports that the strategic national highway, the only all-weather road linking Kashmir with the rest of the country, was blocked by landslides at Mehar, Gangroo, Mom Passi and Kishtwari Pather in Ramban district. The rains are continuing, hampering restoration works. The commuters have been advised to avoid journey on the highway till it is cleared of the debris. However, the Mughal road, the alternate national highway connecting the twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch in Jammu division with the Shopian district in Kashmir division, remained closed for the third day owing to snowfall in Peer Ki Gali and adjoining areas. Amid the incessant rains, authorities in Ramban and Kishtwar districts have ordered closure of schools. The decision to suspend class work for the day has been taken in the interest of prioritising the safety and well-being of students, staff, and the broader community given the current challenges posed by the adverse weather conditions. Two houses were damaged due to landslide at Basha-Simbool village of Kishtwar, while dozens of livestock perished in incidents of lightning and flash floods in Ramban and Samba districts overnight. Rain lashed many parts of J&K for the second day today.
Disclaimer: This press release is sourced from News On AIR, Prasar Bharti and Press Information Bureau India (PIB).
