Jammu–Srinagar Highway Closed as Heavy Rain Triggers Landslides; Death Toll Rises to 23

Jammu, Jul 22: The strategic Jammu–Srinagar National Highway was closed on Wednesday after heavy rainfall triggered multiple landslides, mudslides and shooting stones along the Udhampur-Banihal stretch, while torrential rains continued to batter the Jammu region for the fourth consecutive day.

Traffic on the 250-km highway, the only all-weather road connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country, was suspended from both sides around 9.30 am. Authorities advised commuters to avoid travel until weather conditions improve and the road is declared safe. Road clearance agencies have deployed men and machinery to clear debris.

The continuing spell of rain has claimed 23 lives and left seven persons missing in separate flash flood and landslide incidents in Poonch, Rajouri and Doda districts since Sunday. Search operations for the missing persons remained underway on Wednesday.

All major pilgrimages, including the Amarnath Yatra, Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra and Machail Mata Yatra, remained suspended for the fourth day due to adverse weather.

According to the Meteorological Department, Kathua recorded the highest rainfall at 153 mm in the past 24 hours, followed by Samba (133 mm), Udhampur (112.6 mm), Jammu (62.1 mm), Katra (58.5 mm), Poonch (51 mm) and Rajouri (40.5 mm). Moderate to heavy rainfall has been forecast until Thursday evening.

Rivers and other water bodies remained in spate, with flash floods inundating several low-lying areas. The prolonged rainfall has damaged roads, bridges, public infrastructure and private property, besides disrupting electricity and water supply in many areas.

Rescue and relief operations by the civil administration, Police, SDRF and NDRF continued across the affected districts. Authorities have urged residents to stay indoors, avoid rivers and landslide-prone areas, and follow official advisories.

Meanwhile, Jal Shakti Minister Javed Ahmed Rana and Youth Services and Sports Minister Satish Sharma visited Rajouri to review relief operations and interacted with families housed at a rehabilitation centre set up at Government Boys Higher Secondary School. (Agencies)