Jammu, Jul 21: Fresh landslides and mudslides triggered by incessant rainfall disrupted traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway on Tuesday, prompting restoration work at multiple vulnerable locations as heavy monsoon showers continued across the Jammu region.
Officials said intense rainfall in Udhampur and Ramban districts caused mudslides and shooting stones at several points along the highway, particularly near Sharda Mata Mandir and Thara, posing a serious threat to commuters and hampering traffic movement.
Road clearance teams, assisted by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Traffic Police and other agencies, were engaged in removing debris and restoring normal traffic on the strategic highway. Commuters have been advised to check the latest traffic advisories before starting their journey.
A separate landslide was also reported from the Nograta Saldhar area of Rajouri district, where continuous rainfall triggered the sliding of mud and rocks, affecting local connectivity. No casualties were reported.
The fresh disruptions come amid a Meteorological Department warning of very heavy rainfall across several districts of the Jammu region, with forecasts of thunderstorms, lightning, flash floods and landslides in vulnerable areas.
The alert covers Jammu, Reasi, Udhampur, Poonch, Rajouri, Samba, Kathua, Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban districts, where adverse weather conditions are expected to persist.
Authorities have urged people to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly on landslide-prone roads, and stay away from rivers, streams and flood-prone areas. They have also advised residents to strictly follow directions issued by district administrations and disaster management authorities.
The ongoing wet spell has caused widespread damage across Jammu and Kashmir, with flash floods, landslides and cloudbursts affecting roads, bridges, houses, agricultural land and other public infrastructure. Emergency response agencies remain on high alert as restoration work continues. (Agencies)
