Srinagar: Heavy rains and landslides have resulted in the closure of the main highway in the Jammu and Kashmir region, officials reported. The NH-44, a crucial 250-kilometer (155-mile) all-weather road connecting the Kashmir valley with the Jammu division, has been shut down due to landslides and shooting stones, causing significant disruption and leaving vehicles transporting essential food supplies stranded.
According to Anadolu Agency, the adverse weather conditions led to multiple landslides and shooting stones originating from hillocks overlooking the arterial road in the Ramban district. The area also experienced flash floods, particularly impacting the Ramban market. Fortunately, there have been no reports of casualties, although some vehicles parked on the roadside sustained damage.
Baseer-ul-Haq Choudhary, an official from the district, stated, "Once we assess the situation, we can then determine the damages caused." He further added that continuous rains are currently hindering the road clearance operations by the relevant agencies. A traffic department spokesperson advised commuters to avoid traveling on NH-44 until weather conditions improve and the road is deemed safe.
The regional meteorological department had anticipated a heavy rain spell from May 8 to May 11, with intense showers expected at several vulnerable spots. Meteorological Department Director Mukhtar Ahmad noted that these intense showers could potentially lead to further landslides and mudslides. This incident follows a previous occurrence on April 19, where flash floods on the national highway resulted in three fatalities and the loss of 1442 livestock.