The critical Jammu-Srinagar National Highway has been inaccessible for the second consecutive day on Thursday, a consequence of relentless rainfall that has triggered widespread landslides and a barrage of shooting stones across the Jammu region. This prolonged period of inclement weather, now in its fifth day, has resulted in a tragic toll of 23 fatalities and left seven individuals missing, according to official reports. Rescue operations are currently underway with intensified efforts to locate the missing persons in the flood and landslide-affected border districts of Poonch and Rajouri. Additional personnel have been deployed to meticulously scan flood channels and other areas deemed vulnerable to further natural calamities.
Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the 250-kilometer highway, which serves as the sole all-weather link connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India, is currently blocked at five distinct locations. These blockages are attributed to landslides, falling stones, and significant road erosion occurring at multiple points between Jakhani in Udhampur district and Banihal in Ramban district. A traffic police advisory explicitly stated that the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway remains closed to vehicular movement due to these hazardous conditions. Officials are engaged in restoration work, but the persistent rainfall is proving to be a significant impediment, hampering efforts to clear the debris and repair the damaged sections of the road.
The closure has led to a substantial number of vehicles being stranded. Over 600 vehicles are currently held up at various locations, including Ramban, Nagrota, Jammu, Udhampur, Lakhanpur, and Samba. Authorities have strongly advised commuters to postpone their travel plans until weather conditions improve and the highway is officially declared safe for transit. Beyond the national highway, more than a dozen inter-district roads are also impassable due to landslides, mudslides, and road erosion. The Doda-Kishtwar road, another vital connection, also remains shut.
In contrast, the Mughal Road, which connects Kashmir with Poonch district, and the Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri (SSG) Road, linking Kashmir with Ladakh, are reportedly open for traffic. However, heavy rainfall continues to be reported along both these routes. The Meteorological Department has forecast fresh rainfall in Samba, Kathua, Udhampur, and the Chenab Valley districts, with the possibility of it spreading to parts of south Kashmir. Moderate to heavy rainfall is expected to persist until Thursday evening, and a further spell of rain is anticipated on Friday, influenced by an active western disturbance.
The persistent downpour has caused rivers and streams across the region to flow in spate, leading to flash floods that have inundated several low-lying areas. These floods have resulted in damage to houses, shops, and other essential infrastructure. On Wednesday night, the Chenab river at Akhnoor and the Tawi in Jammu, along with other rivers in the Jammu region, were flowing above the danger mark. This situation prompted authorities to intensify monitoring and issue public safety advisories. The prolonged wet spell has also inflicted extensive damage on road networks, bridges, power infrastructure, and water supply systems throughout the region.
Rescue and relief operations have been significantly scaled up in the affected districts. Teams comprising personnel from the civil administration, police, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), along with other agencies, are working tirelessly around the clock. Their efforts are focused on evacuating residents trapped by the floods and landslides, restoring vital connectivity, and assessing the full extent of the damage. The government is maintaining close oversight of the evolving situation, with the restoration of essential services and the provision of relief to affected families being designated as top priorities by officials.
The intensity of the rainfall has been significant across various parts of Jammu and Kashmir over the past 24 hours. Reasi district recorded the highest precipitation, measuring 119.5 mm. Other areas that experienced substantial rainfall include Katra with 97.4 mm, Ramban with 71.5 mm, Jammu with 60.6 mm, Batote with 60.4 mm, Udhampur with 53.2 mm, and Banihal with 53.0 mm. Jammu Airport recorded 42.6 mm, Rajouri received 32.6 mm, Kathua registered 22.2 mm, Doda had 15.0 mm, Bhaderwah recorded 14.0 mm, Kishtwar measured 12.0 mm, and Poonch received 11.0 mm of rainfall.
In the Kashmir Valley, Qazigund experienced the highest rainfall at 73.3 mm. Other notable rainfall figures in the valley include Pahalgam with 60.2 mm, Kokernag with 47.9 mm, Gulmarg with 39.0 mm, Sangam with 37.0 mm, Verinag with 35.3 mm, Awantipora with 31.2 mm, Baramulla with 30.5 mm, Kulgam with 24.2 mm, Tangmarg with 22.2 mm, Pampore with 20.0 mm, Nowgam Handwara with 18.6 mm. Ganderbal recorded 18.0 mm, followed by Shopian with 17.0 mm, Lolab with 16.4 mm, Srinagar with 15.6 mm, Pulwama with 14.2 mm, Wular with 14.0 mm, Sonamarg with 13.0 mm, Sopore with 12.0 mm, and Kupwara with 6.9 mm. In the Union Territory of Ladakh, Leh recorded a minimal 0.6 mm of rainfall.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.