Heavy downpour affects normal life in Jammu, Kashmir regions

Landslide force closure of NHW

Jammu: The incessant rainfall in the entire Jammu and Kashmir on Monday has again brought the winter chill back, while it triggered heavy landslides forcing the closure of the national highway. Meanwhile, the weatherman has predicted light rains at isolated places for the next two days. The incessant rainfall throughout the day affected normal life across Srinagar, Jammu, and other parts of the union territory.
Meanwhile, the heavy rainfall has led to the closure of Srinagar-Jammu National Highway which remained closed for vehicular movement after the shooting stones were reported at multiple places. “The highway was closed for traffic as a precautionary measure. Once the weather conditions improve, the debris will be cleared and the traffic will be allowed to ply accordingly,” the officials from the Traffic department said. The landslides were triggered by rains at KishtwariPather in Banihal in Ramban district.
Jammu and Kashmir Traffic Police have advised people to avoid journey through NH 44 in view of the massive landslides.
Jammu experienced heavy downpour in the evening leaving many loads and lanes waterlogged. The rainfall while bringing the mercury down by few notches also brought normal life out of the gear.
Director Meteorological Department (MeT), Dr Mukhtar Ahmad in a detailed forecast, stated that through there is a possibility of gradual improvement in weather conditions from tonight, but partly cloudy weather is expected on 16-17th April with the possibility of light rain at isolated places. On 18-19 April, generally cloudy with light rain and snow (higher reaches) at many places with thunder, and lightning during 18th night to 19th late afternoon and evening is expected, he said.
He added that from April 20 to 25th, the weather would remain generally dry while thundershower activity in the afternoon can't be ruled out. The MeT department has also issued an advisory, asking the farmers to suspend farm operations till April 16.
Temporary disruption of surface transportation over a few higher reaches during 15th April, thus the travelers& tourists are advised to plan accordingly. “Temporary water logging in few low- lying areas is expected and also there is a possibility of landslides, mudslides and shooting stones,” it said.