Diplomat Correspondent
Ramban, May 08(DD): A fresh spell of heavy rain triggered massive mudslides in Ramban district early today morning, leading to the complete shutdown of the vital Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44). Hundreds of vehicles remain stranded as the arterial road—Kashmir’s sole all-weather link to the rest of India—was blocked by debris near Chamba Seri, a stretch infamous for recurring landslides.
The mudslides, accompanied by flash floods, struck around 7:30 AM, sweeping debris onto the highway and causing chaos in the Ramban market area where several parked vehicles were damaged.
“We are facing continuous challenges due to loose soil and relentless rain. Teams from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) are already on the ground to clear the debris,” said Ramban Deputy Commissioner Baseer-ul-Haq Chaudhary. “As of now, the highway remains closed, and people are advised to avoid unnecessary travel.”
In addition to the highway disruption, a flash flood from a local nallah entered the lower Ramban bazaar, inundating shops and damaging property. Videos from the area showed gushing muddy water sweeping across streets.
An official said that the blockade and said, “Given the forecast and prevailing conditions, we expect the restoration work to take several hours, possibly longer if rain persists. We urge commuters to stay updated through official traffic advisories.”
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had earlier issued an alert, predicting heavy rainfall with gusty winds across Ramban, Doda, Reasi, and Udhampur districts.
“The soil in this belt has become extremely unstable,” said IMD officials said.
“These rain spells are likely to continue intermittently over the next 24 to 36 hours.”
The highway shutdown has particularly impacted supplies of essential goods to the Kashmir Valley. Truckers waiting in queues expressed frustration. “We’ve been stuck here since last night. There’s no clarity from the authorities on when the road will open,” said, a driver from Anantnag.
Officials have confirmed that landslide mitigation measures initiated last year are still under review and incomplete in several stretches. In response, J&K Disaster Management Authority has activated emergency protocols, while SDRF teams remain on standby.
Until the weather stabilizes and clearance operations succeed, officials reiterated the travel advisory: “Avoid the Jammu-Srinagar highway. Follow updates from the Traffic Police and local administration.” (DD)
