Heavy rain and bad weather caused landslides at several places on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) on Saturday. The highway was blocked in Ramban district due to falling of stones, due to which traffic has come to a complete halt on both sides.
Srinagar: Landslides have occurred at many places on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44). Traffic was badly affected in many areas of Ramban due to heavy rain and bad weather on Saturday. Due to landslide on NH 44, stones started falling, blocking the road. Hingni and Shalgadi tunnel areas have been badly affected due to landslides. Incidents of stone falling and mudslides have also been reported around the tunnel areas. Apart from this, the road was also blocked due to landslide near Mehar.
Traffic affected due to landslide on NH-44
Incidents of landslides and stone falling have occurred in Gangru, Hingni and Shalgadi tunnel areas in Ramban district. The road was closed due to soil subsidence and falling of large stones around the tunnels. Apart from this, traffic has also been disrupted due to landslide near Mehar. Due to this, many trucks and passenger vehicles are stranded on the highway. The administration has stopped the movement of vehicles from both sides in view of security. An appeal has been made to passengers and the general public to postpone travel until the route opens.
The Highway Authority and the local administration are continuously working to remove the debris. However, the rescue operation is being hampered due to continuous rain and falling stones. Officials said work will continue with safety measures in place to reopen the route as soon as possible. For safety reasons, heavy vehicles and general traffic on the highway have been stopped for the time being. The administration has advised local people and travelers not to undertake unnecessary travel until the weather improves.
Weather conditions and upcoming days
Weather fluctuations are likely to continue in Jammu and Kashmir for the next few days. The Meteorological Department has warned that there is a possibility of light to moderate rain, snowfall and hail at many places.
- 5-6 April: Partly cloudy with light rain at isolated places.
- 7–8 April: Light to moderate rain or snowfall, thunderstorm and strong winds at many places.
- April 9-11: Scattered rain/snow likely in higher reaches.
- 12-15 April: Weather likely to be generally dry.
The Meteorological Department said that incidents of landslides may increase due to rain and snowfall. Therefore, people should be safe and do not travel until the administration and highway department confirm the opening of the route.
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