Vehicles Stranded On Jammu And Kashmir Highway After Heavy Rain, Landslide

Heavy rainfall and landslide prompted the authorities in Jammu and Kashmir to close the highway which left several vehicles stranded.

Several vehicles were left stranded on the Jammu and Kashmir highway on Tuesday after heavy rainfall triggered landslide in the region. Ramban Deputy Commissioner advised people to avoid travelling and check for updates while restoration work has begun on National Highway 44. 

Due to heavy rainfall, NH-44 is blocked at Cafeteria Morh, near Ramban. People are advised to check TCUs for updates, and avoid travelling today,  said the Deputy Commissioner Ramban. 

The vehicles on the highway were halted by the authorities since the last night.

"Our vehicle was stopped here last night. The vehicle came from Haryana. They are saying that the road ahead is closed for some reason. Let's see if they let us go by the evening. Many big and small vehicles have been stranded here since last night...," said a person whose vehicle is stranded on the highway.

The Deputy Commissioner also informed that all Government and private schools up to the Higher Secondary level in Ramban will remain closed on Tuesday in view of continous rains. 

"In view of continuous rains since yesterday, all Government and Private schools up to Hr. Sec level in District Ramban shall remain closed today. However, exams, if any, shall be held as per the notified date," he said further.

According to the India Meteorological Department, isolated heavy rain with possibility of lighting and thuderstorms is expected in several districts of Jammu and Kashmir on October 17, Tuesday. 

The national capital also received showers that led to dipping down of mercury settling at 17.2 degrees Celsius, two notches below normal, on Tuesday morning. Delhi's air quality also showed a slight improvement on Monday and settled in the moderate category The AQI at 11 pm stood at 159.