The vital Jammu-Srinagar National Highway has been closed to traffic due to multiple landslides, a consequence of relentless torrential rains that have been lashing the Jammu region for the fourth consecutive day. Officials confirmed the suspension of vehicular movement on Wednesday, highlighting the severe impact of the inclement weather on connectivity and daily life.
The ongoing downpour has triggered significant disruptions across the region. In addition to the highway closure, the search for seven individuals who remain missing in the flood and landslide-affected districts of Poonch and Rajouri continues. Major religious pilgrimages, including the Amarnath Yatra, the Vaishno Devi yatra, and the Machail Mata yatra, have been suspended since Sunday, underscoring the widespread impact of the adverse weather conditions. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the closure of the highway, a critical artery linking Kashmir with the rest of the country, has caused considerable concern among commuters and authorities alike.
A traffic department official stated that the 250-kilometer highway, considered the sole all-weather road connecting Kashmir to the mainland, was halted for traffic from both directions starting at 9:30 am. This decision was necessitated by heavy rainfall that induced landslides, mudslides, and the dislodging of shooting stones at approximately a dozen locations along the Udhampur to Banihal stretch. Commuters have been strongly advised to postpone any travel plans on the highway until the weather conditions improve and the road is officially declared safe for passage. Road clearance agencies have been mobilized with men and machinery to expedite the removal of debris and restore normalcy.
Weather department officials reported that Kathua district recorded the highest rainfall in the past 24 hours, receiving 153 mm. Samba followed with 133 mm, Udhampur with 112.6 mm, Jammu with 62.1 mm, Katra with 58.5 mm, Poonch with 51 mm, and Rajouri with 40.5 mm. These figures, recorded up to 8:30 am on Wednesday, indicate the intensity of the rainfall across the Jammu region. The weather office has forecast moderate to heavy rainfall to persist until Thursday evening, suggesting that the challenges posed by the current weather spell are likely to continue.
The persistent heavy rains have led to all major water bodies, including rivers, swelling and entering into spate. Residents in several low-lying areas have reported flash floods inundating their homes and businesses, exacerbating the crisis. The human toll has been significant, with at least 23 individuals losing their lives and seven others still missing in separate incidents of flash floods and landslides that have occurred in Poonch, Rajouri, and Doda districts since Sunday. The prolonged spell of heavy rain has also caused extensive damage to public infrastructure and private property, with numerous roads and bridges washed away. Power and water supply have been disrupted in several areas, further compounding the difficulties faced by the affected population.
Authorities have intensified rescue and relief operations across the affected districts. Teams comprising personnel from the civil administration, police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are working around the clock. Their efforts are focused on evacuating stranded residents, restoring essential connectivity, and assessing the full extent of the damage. Residents have been urged to remain indoors unless absolutely necessary and to avoid venturing near rivers, streams, and areas prone to landslides. Strict adherence to advisories issued by the administration is crucial as the inclement weather continues its grip on the region.
The government is closely monitoring the unfolding situation, with the restoration of essential services and the provision of relief to affected families identified as top priorities. In a related development, the Minister for Jal Shakti, Javed Ahmed Rana, accompanied by the Minister for Youth Services and Sports, Satish Sharma, visited Rajouri district. Their visit aimed to review the flood situation, inspect ongoing relief measures, and assess the progress of restoring essential services within the district. The ministers visited a Relief and Rehabilitation Centre established at the Government Boys Higher Secondary School (BHSS) in Rajouri, where they interacted with families who had been relocated to the centre. They made inquiries about the well-being of the displaced individuals and reviewed the facilities being provided by the district administration, which include accommodation, food, drinking water, and healthcare services, according to an official spokesman.
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.