The Jammu-Srinagar national highway was shut down on Sunday after heavy rainfall caused landslides in Mehad and Cafeteria Morh of Ramban district, according to recent reports. The vehicles on the highway reportedly formed long queues as a result of the blockage. As a precautionary measure due to the ongoing heavy rains, all schools up to Class 10 in Ramban district have been closed, with only teachers attending to their duties. The Deputy Commissioner of Ramban, Mussarat Islam, has issued orders for the closure of the schools until further notice.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had earlier declared the onset of monsoon in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday. The Meteorological Department (MeT) official has informed that the region is expected to experience generally cloudy weather with intermittent light to moderate thunderstorms on June 25 to 28. In addition, the Southwest Monsoon has reportedly covered several states in India. The Director General of IMD, Dr Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, has stated that the monsoon would move forward in the next two days and will cover other parts of the country.
In Himachal Pradesh, heavy rainfall caused a landslide on the Chandigarh-Manali highway near 7 Mile, leading to heavy traffic jams in Mandi district. With the focus on prioritizing the safety of travelers, people have been asked to avoid the road and, if necessary, take alternative routes or modes of transportation. Meanwhile, authorities are working towards clearing the blockages on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway, in order to restore normal traffic flow as soon as possible.
The incident is a reminder of the importance of being vigilant during monsoon season and taking necessary precautions to ensure one’s safety. Following orders of the local authorities and avoiding high-risk areas are crucial steps to protect oneself from the risks of landslides and flash floods. As monsoon advances in other parts of the country, it is necessary to stay up-to-date with weather forecasts and take necessary precautions.
