The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway remained closed for over seven hours today after heavy rain triggered landslides and mudslides in the Ramban area, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded. Meanwhile, one person was killed by lightning in Kashmir amid the severe weather conditions.
Officials reported that flash floods in the Chenab river forced authorities in Reasi and Akhnoor to issue warnings, advising the public to avoid venturing near the riverbanks. The rainfall since last evening also brought a noticeable drop in temperature across the Jammu region.
Due to poor weather and cloud cover, helicopter services to Mata Vaishno Devi shrine from Katra base camp were suspended for much of the day. However, battery cars, cable cars to Bhairon Mandir, and the on-foot pilgrimage continued without disruption.
Vehicular traffic came to a halt from both directions on the Jammu-Srinagar Highway after mudslides at Chamba Seri in Ramban. One lane of the four-lane highway was already blocked, and today’s additional landslides rendered the entire stretch impassable, affecting nearly 100 meters of roadway.
“Please check the status of the road before starting your journey,” a Traffic Police officer advised travelers.
Authorities confirmed that a cloudburst in Chamba Seri triggered the flash floods and mudslides. A landslide around 2:15 pm further blocked the route, though no casualties or injuries were reported. Three to four heavy machines were deployed to clear the debris, and NHAI Project Director, Ramban Sector, PK Phonsa, assured that the highway would be cleared by night.
After intensive efforts, the highway was cleared around 9 pm, allowing over 1,200 stranded vehicles to proceed. Light motor vehicles (LMVs) were first allowed from Jammu, followed by traffic from Kashmir, and finally heavy motor vehicles (HMVs) were cleared.
Today’s incident followed severe weather on April 20, when heavy rain and a cloudburst caused landslides in Ramban, killing three people and damaging numerous houses, shops, and roads. Vehicles buried under debris from that incident are still being recovered.
In addition to highway disruptions, rising water levels in the Chenab river created panic among communities living along its banks. Authorities issued alerts, urging residents to stay away from the river. On Friday, the release of water from the Salal Project led to a rapid rise in the river’s level, prompting warnings across Reasi, Akhnoor, Jourian, Pargwal, and Khour. By evening, the water level at Akhnoor measured 27 feet, approaching the 30-foot alert mark and nearing the 33-foot danger level.
In Kulgam district, a 37-year-old auto driver, Tariq Ahmad Padder of Gansorgam, was killed after being struck by lightning in his village. He was rushed to District Hospital Kulgam but was declared dead on arrival.
Meanwhile, gusty winds and moderate rainfall wreaked havoc in several areas, including a reported uprooted tree near SKICC, causing heavy traffic jams.
Tragedy also struck Dal Lake, where two boats capsized amid strong winds. A Quick Response Team (QRT) of SDRF and Fire & Emergency Department rescued four people, but one person—Tawfeeq Ahmad Chopan, son of Nikka, a resident of Jogi Lanker Rainawari—remains missing. Rescue operations were suspended at night due to darkness and will resume at first light tomorrow.
The severe weather also affected air travel, with two flights diverted due to windstorms. IndiGo flights 6E896/2305 (Delhi-Srinagar-Delhi) and 6E214 (Mumbai-Srinagar-IXJ) were rerouted to Chandigarh and Delhi after failing to land at Srinagar International Airport.
According to Director MeT Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, several central and southern parts of Kashmir received rain this afternoon, and brief showers with thunder and gusty winds are expected at isolated to scattered locations until May 5.
