Heavy rain swells rivers, wreaks havoc across JK; Srinagar-Jammu highway shut

Srinagar: Heavy and continuous rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir has disrupted normal life, forcing the closure of the Srinagar-Jammu highway due to mudslides and shooting stones at several locations. Authorities have halted traffic from both Qazigund and Udhampur towards Ramban until weather conditions improve.

The rain, which has persisted for the past two days, has also caused widespread damage in Doda district’s Bhalesa area, where swollen rivers, streams and drains inundated houses, crops and agricultural land.

District administrations in Doda and Kishtwar have advised residents to stay away from high-altitude, landslide-prone and riverbank areas because of the risk of flash floods, cloudbursts and landslides.

In Ramban, dense fog triggered by the persistent rainfall has reduced visibility and led to a noticeable drop in temperatures, with mist covering the surrounding hills.

In Reasi, rising inflows into the Salal reservoir prompted authorities to open all the dam gates, resulting in an increase in the Chenab River’s water level and stronger downstream currents. Officials have urged people, especially those living in low-lying and riverbank areas, to remain alert and avoid venturing near the river.

Meanwhile, heavy rainfall also lashed Rajouri district, where the administration and police issued advisories warning residents about the possibility of flash floods, landslides, waterlogging and rising river levels, urging them to exercise caution.