Heavy rains disrupt normal life across Jammu region; landslides block NH, vehicles stranded; authorities warn of flash floods and avalanches
Jammu Tawi/Srinagar, Apr 7: Heavy rains lashed the Jammu region on Tuesday under the გავლence of an active western disturbance, triggering cold wave-like conditions, disrupting normal life and forcing the closure of the strategic Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, while authorities also issued an avalanche warning for higher reaches of Kashmir.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said that the active western disturbance has impacted the region for the past 36 hours, bringing widespread rainfall, a sharp fall in temperatures and weather-related disruptions. Day temperatures across Jammu division plunged significantly, with Jammu city recording a maximum of 23.2 degrees Celsius — 7.2 degrees below normal.
Other areas also witnessed a similar dip, including Katra at 20.5 degrees Celsius (6.7 below normal), Batote at 14.2 degrees Celsius (5.8 below normal), Bhaderwah at 16.6 degrees Celsius (5.2 below normal) and Banihal at 17.1 degrees Celsius (3.2 below normal). Intermittent rainfall across districts led to waterlogging and a noticeable chill in the air.
Rainfall activity remained widespread, with Katra recording the highest precipitation of 7.8 mm between 0830 and 1730 hours, followed by Jammu at 5.8 mm, Bhaderwah at 3.0 mm, Batote at 2.4 mm and Banihal at 0.9 mm. Rising humidity levels further reflected prevailing moist conditions, increasing from 53 per cent in the morning to 88 per cent in the evening in Jammu.
The inclement weather also severely impacted road connectivity, as the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway — the only all-weather road linking Kashmir with the rest of the country — was closed due to multiple landslides in Ramban district. The highway, which had briefly reopened earlier in the day after a previous closure, was again shut following fresh landslides between Digdol and Khooni Nallah.
“Traffic movement has been stopped in both directions due to a heavy landslide. The road is completely blocked,” a traffic police spokesperson said. Officials confirmed that over 200 vehicles are stranded at various points along the 270-km highway. Restoration work is underway, but continuous rains in the Ramban-Banihal sector are hampering efforts. Authorities have advised commuters to avoid travel and rely on official updates.
Despite the adverse weather conditions, the pilgrimage to the revered Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine continued without major disruption, officials said.
Meanwhile, in Kashmir, authorities issued a ‘medium danger’ avalanche warning for higher reaches of Ganderbal and Kupwara districts following fresh snowfall in upper areas and rainfall in the plains. The Jammu and Kashmir Disaster Management Authority warned that avalanches are likely to occur above 2600 metres over the next 24 hours and advised people to avoid vulnerable areas.
The IMD has also warned of two back-to-back western disturbances affecting northwest India, with peak intensity expected on April 7 and 8 over Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. It has issued a heavy rain alert and cautioned about a moderate to high risk of flash floods in parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and Uttarakhand.
Authorities in several districts, including Ramban, Doda, Kishtwar and Poonch, have issued advisories warning of possible landslides, flash floods and shooting stones, urging residents and travellers to remain cautious and follow official guidelines.
The weather department said intermittent rainfall, gusty winds and thunderstorms are likely to continue over the next couple of days, and it is closely monitoring the evolving situation.
