Jammu, Jul 23: Continuous heavy rains triggered mudslides in Jammu’s Ramban district on Wednesday, blocking the crucial Jammu-Srinagar national highway and leaving hundreds of travellers, including Amarnath pilgrims, stranded.
The downpour, now in its third day, has battered several parts of the region. Though rivers and streams are swelling, officials said there is currently no danger of flooding. A flash flood alert remains in place across the Jammu division until July 24, with authorities maintaining round-the-clock watch.
The first major mudslide struck near the viaduct tunnel at Magerkote, followed by another near Seri, both along the same highway. The route serves as the only all-weather connection between Kashmir and the rest of India. Traffic department officials confirmed that the road was closed shortly after the incidents and urged people to avoid travel until clearance is complete and conditions improve.
Emergency crews and machinery were quickly deployed to both sites to remove debris. By Wednesday afternoon, hopes were high that the road would reopen within hours, weather permitting.
Meanwhile, hundreds of people were left waiting in different areas, including Amarnath pilgrims returning from the Kashmir Valley. Two convoys carrying devotees were halted mid-route, adding to growing concerns over their safety and shelter.
Elsewhere in the region, heavy rains disrupted traffic on the Kishtwar-Sinthan road due to flooding at Sinthan Nallah. Landslides also affected link roads in Rajouri, Poonch, Reasi, Udhampur, Doda, and Ramban districts. Officials said efforts to restore access to these areas are underway.
Rain-related damage was reported across several villages, where houses and cowsheds were affected. Officials have launched assessments to determine the full extent of the destruction.
In preparation for further weather-related challenges, the administration activated 24×7 control rooms across all district headquarters on Tuesday. The move followed an advisory from the India Meteorological Department, which highlighted the risk of flash floods.
As per the latest rainfall data, Udhampur received the heaviest overnight downpour at 51.8 mm, followed by Ramban with 20.5 mm, Reasi at 17.9 mm, and Jammu recording 8.5 mm.
District authorities and disaster management teams remain on high alert, urging residents to follow safety advisories and stay updated on weather developments.
