Traffic on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) has been suspended following multiple landslides and shooting stones triggered by incessant rainfall in Ramban district, officials said on Monday.
Movement of vehicles has been completely halted in both directions on the highway as landslides blocked both tunnels between Karol Bridge and Chanderkote, an official from the Traffic Department said.
Restoration work is underway to reopen the road for traffic, and travellers have been urged to check with the relevant authorities for the latest highway updates. Men and machines have been deployed to clear the highway of debris accumulated due to the landslides.
On Sunday, the highway was partially opened for one-way traffic but was later closed again in the evening due to shooting stones.
Meanwhile, the MeT office in Srinagar had earlier forecast rain and snowfall in the region over the next few days.
According to the MeT office, erratic weather conditions with rain in the plains and snowfall in the upper reaches of the Kashmir division are likely to continue intermittently until April 10. Advisories have been issued for residents living in avalanche-prone zones and remote areas of the Kashmir Valley.
No major untoward incident has been reported but an avalanche at Zojila Pass claimed seven lives and injured eight others. Multiple vehicles were trapped under debris due to heavy snow accumulation at the Zojila Pass, triggering search and rescue operations in the area.
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