Traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH44) has been stopped after heavy rain caused mudslides and shooting stones at several points along the route.
Vehicles are not being allowed to move from Qazigund in Kashmir or from Udhampur towards Ramban due to the bad weather and unsafe road conditions. The region has been receiving continuous rainfall for the past two days.
Heavy rain also affected Bhalesa in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district, causing rivers, streams and drains to swell. Several houses, crops and agricultural fields have been damaged. With flash floods, cloudbursts and landslides reported in the area, the administrations of Doda and Kishtwar have asked people to stay away from high-altitude areas, landslide-prone zones and riverbanks until conditions improve.
Heavy rain has also brought thick fog to the mountains around Ramban, leading to a drop in temperatures. Low clouds and poor visibility have covered parts of the hills, making travel conditions difficult.
Meanwhile, continued rain in Reasi and the upper catchment areas has increased the flow of water into the Salal reservoir. Authorities have opened all the gates of the dam to manage the rising water level.
The release of water, along with the increased inflow, has caused the Chenab River to rise. Strong currents and higher water levels have been reported downstream. Rain has continued to lash Reasi, further increasing the flow into the Chenab and the Salal reservoir.
Authorities are keeping a close watch on the weather and the river's water level. People living in low-lying areas and near the Chenab have been advised to remain cautious and stay away from the river.
Heavy rain also hit Rajouri district from early Tuesday morning. The district administration and Rajouri Police have advised residents to stay alert as rising river levels could lead to flash floods, landslides and waterlogging.
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