J&K: Schools Shut, Roads Blocked In Many Districts As Landslides, Flash Floods Hit Valley — Top Updates

Schools and other educational institutes in many parts of the valley including Doda, Kishtwar and Ramba were closed due to the heavy rains which resulted in waterlogging in low-lying areas.

Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday was hit by massive landslides and flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall, forcing authorities to shut schools in various districts and the strategic Jammu-Srinagar National Highway being blocked which led to stranding of hundreds of vehicles. According to reports, the heavy rains also shuttered an under-construction bridge in the Udhampur district. Authorities ordered shutting down of schools in Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban and evacuated people from low-lying areas.

Several roads in Ramban and Udhampur districts were closed for the second consecutive day today and the traffic on Mughal Road, an alternative link connecting the twin districts of Poonch and Rajouri in the Jammu region with south Kashmir's Shopian district, was also suspended due to landslides. 

Top Developments On J&K Landslides

1. In Kashmir, the Jhelum crossed the danger mark at Sangam in Anantnag district and the water level was rising in other rivers as well. Visuals tweeted by news agency ANI also showed heavy outflow of river water from Salal Dam. According to officials, a high alert has been sounded in areas close to river Chenab and its tributaries.

2. Police rescued 50 passengers travelling in ten vehicles which were trapped due to snowfall and heavy rains in the high-altitude area in Kishtwar district on Wednesday afternoon. Snowfall and heavy rains triggered flash-floods in Simthan top area following which 50 passengers including some women and children, were stranded, an official told news agency PTI.

3. Schools and other educational institutes in many parts of the valley including Doda, Kishtwar and Ramba were closed due to the heavy rains which resulted in waterlogging in low-lying areas. Additionally, many houses in Bemina, Rambagh and Rajbagh areas of the city were affected due to water-logging.

4. Over 30 landslides and mudslides triggered by the heavy rains were reported along in the Ramban-Udhampur sector, officials said. Meanwhile weather department data revealed that snowfall in the upper reaches and rains in the plains have sent the mercury nosediving and Srinagar witnessed its coldest June day in almost 50 years.

5. An incident of house collapse was also reported from Ramban district, while five people trapped in flash floods in river Ans in Reasi district were rescued by the police. Advisories have been issued asking people to remain indoors in view of the flood-like situation developed in the mountainous belts.

(With inputs from agencies.)