Landslides Triggered by Heavy Rain Block Jammu-Srinagar National Highway in Ramban
Massive landslides, caused by intense rainfall, struck Ramban district on Sunday night, leading to the closure of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway on Monday. The incident has disrupted the only all-weather road connection between Kashmir and the rest of India, as mud and shooting stones cascaded onto the critical thoroughfare.
Debris Blocks Key Stretch, Stranding Vehicles
The debris accumulation occurred between Karol Bridge and Chanderkote, effectively blocking the highway and leaving numerous vehicles stranded on both sides of the affected area. This obstruction has caused significant travel delays and logistical challenges for commuters and freight transport.
Official Statement on Clearance Efforts
An official stated on Monday that efforts are underway to clear the debris from the highway. However, due to the ongoing rainfall, there is little chance of reopening the stretch for vehicular traffic today. The continuous rain poses additional risks of further landslides, complicating clearance operations.
The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway is a vital lifeline for the region, and its closure highlights the vulnerability of infrastructure to extreme weather events. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, but with persistent adverse conditions, full restoration of traffic may take time, impacting daily life and economic activities in the area.
