Srinagar-Jammu highway remains shut as landslides, rains wreak havoc
Thousands stranded, houses damaged, schools closed amid flood threat
Srinagar: In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the Srinagar-Jammu hghway, the only surface link between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of the world, remains closed day following incessant rains, massive landslides, and sinking of road stretches.
According to Kashmir Media Service, landslides and mudslides triggered by continued rainfall have severely damaged several portions of the highway between Udhampur and Ramban, with the worst-hit areas being Thard, Balli Nallah, Nachilana, Maroog, Peerah and Shalgadi. Officials said a large hill at Thard continues to slide, sinking the highway with it, forcing the the authorities to suspend restoration work until the weather improves.
Traffic police confirmed that no vehicle is being allowed from Nagrota, Jammu, towards Ramban, Banihal and Srinagar, leaving thousands of passengers and truckers stranded.
Meanwhile, reports from Ramban district said incessant rains have caused widespread destruction, damaging at least 158 houses, of which 12 have been completely destroyed. Several families in vulnerable areas were evacuated with the help of police, volunteers and rescue teams. Locals from Khari, Ramsoo and Maitra said streams and the swollen Chenab River pose grave risks to residential areas, madrassas and mosques, accusing authorities of negligence in strengthening protective embankments.
The weather havoc has also forced the closure of all educational institutions across Jammu and Kashmir. Universities and schools have postponed examinations, while officials admitted that several school buildings in the Jammu region and south Kashmir have been submerged or structurally damaged.
Authorities have appealed to people to avoid travel on highways and strictly follow advisories until clearance work is completed and weather improves.
