J&K Rains: Traffic advice issued as heavy rain blocks Jammu-Srinagar highway, trigger flash flashes, landslide | Today news

Vehicle movement on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway NH-44 is still affected by blockages caused by landslides and flash floods along the route, caused by heavy rain in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ramban district. According to the latest update from Jammu Divisional Commissioner, commuters were advised not to use the highway until the road was cleaned. “The Jammu-Srinagar NHW (NH-44) is still closed due to landslides/ mudslides/ shooting stones at different places. Heavy rain on the entire NHW,” DC Jammu said in a post on X. The post shared that the SSG road, Mughal Road and Sinthan Road in Jammu and Kashmir also closed at the moment. Srinagar Traffic Police also instructed the vehicles traveling to Jammu from Nowgam to return. ‘Due to heavy rain last night, the national highway is closed. As a result, all vehicles with Jammu-bound may not continue to Jammu. All vehicles on their way to Jammu from the Nowgam side are returned, ‘they said in a post of X. Meanwhile, a severe windstorm in Rajouri district, accompanied the Kalak undertaking. “The persistent rain also caused landslides and mudslides at almost a dozen places between Nashri and Banihal along the strategic Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, which asked for traffic to be suspended,” officials said. In Sonmarg, Snow Clearance is underway on the Amarnath pull in Baltal by Border Roads Organization (Bro) 122 RCC. In Doda, heavy rains beat several parts of the Bhalessa in the Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir, and the fog engulfed the mountains and surrounding towns. JK Weather Update On Saturday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a warning for serious weather conditions in Jammu and Kashmir until April 20, citing the influence of an active Western disorder. These disorders will be accompanied by widespread light to moderate rainfall throughout the region. Thunderstorms, lightning, hailstorms and windy winds (40-50 km/h, which are up to 60-70 km/h) were also predicted, especially on the Pir Panjal series (Jammu section) and the middle/higher reach of the Kashmir section. In Rajouri, a severe windstorm accompanied by drone hailstorms destroyed the Kalakote sub-district on April 19. Field report of DC Jammu Flash floods and intense thunderstorms has been reported in the higher reach of Ramban and Reasi districts. The DC advised the public to take the following precautions: Avoid visiting river banks, streams and water bodies, as the risk of flash floods and sudden water increases is great. Do not travel to higher reach unless it is absolutely necessary. Ensure loose items and avoid shelter under trees during thunderstorms. Farmers are advised to take the necessary precautions to protect crops and livestock. Stay linked to official weather updates and advice via reliable channels. First published: 20 Apr 2025, 02:17 IST