Jammu, 01-08-2024: The strategically crucial Jammu-Srinagar National Highway has reopened for vehicular traffic following a brief closure caused by shooting stones and mudslides triggered by heavy rains across the region.
“Early this morning, the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway was shut down due to intense rainfall that resulted in mudslides at Hingni and intermittent shooting stones at Mehad, Panthiyal, T2, and Kishtwari Pather,” explained SSP Highway Rohit Baskotra.
Baskotra further detailed that emergency crews and machinery were promptly deployed to clear the debris and restore traffic flow. “While vehicles are moving slowly due to slippery conditions, the highway is now open,” he confirmed.
The Meteorological Department reported significant rainfall over the past 24 hours, with Jammu recording 112 mm, Reasi 74.5 mm, Katra 72.9 mm, and Udhampur 32.2 mm. The forecast predicts generally cloudy weather with intermittent light to moderate rain or thundershowers at many locations in Kashmir and Jammu divisions until August 5. On August 6 and 7, rain and thundershowers are expected at scattered locations in Kashmir and fairly widespread places in Jammu Division.
From August 8 to 10, the region is expected to experience spells of rain and thundershowers at scattered locations, with intense showers potentially leading to flash floods, cloud bursts, landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones in vulnerable areas of Jammu and Kashmir. Heavy rainfall is particularly anticipated in several parts of the Jammu Division.