Relentless rainfall across the Jammu region on Tuesday triggered landslides and a sudden drop in temperatures, forcing the closure of the crucial Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) in Ramban district, cutting off the Kashmir Valley from the rest of the country.
Western Disturbance Triggers Chaos Across J&K
According to the India Meteorological Department, an active western disturbance has affected the region for the past 36 hours, bringing:
- Continuous rainfall
- Sudden temperature drop
- Disruption to daily life
Temperatures Fall Sharply
Day temperatures dropped significantly across key locations:
- Jammu: 23.2°C (↓ 7.2°C below normal)
- Katra: 20.5°C
- Batote: 14.2°C
- Bhaderwah: 16.6°C
- Banihal: 17.1°C
Residents reported an unusual chill and gloomy weather, more typical of early spring storms.
Landslides Shut Down NH-44 in Ramban
The situation worsened after multiple landslides hit vulnerable stretches between Digdol and Khooni Nallah in Ramban.
Key impact:
- Traffic suspended in both directions
- Hundreds of vehicles stranded
- Kashmir Valley temporarily cut off
The 270-km-long highway, a lifeline for supplies and travel, remains blocked due to debris and shooting stones.
Heavy Rainfall & Waterlogging Reported
Rainfall intensity remained high across several areas:
- Katra: 7.8 mm (highest)
- Jammu: 5.8 mm
- Bhaderwah: 3.0 mm
- Batote: 2.4 mm
Low-lying areas witnessed:
- Waterlogging
- Slippery roads
- Reduced visibility
Vaishno Devi Yatra Continues Despite Weather
Amid the disruption, the pilgrimage to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine continued without major interruption.
Officials confirmed that:
- Yatra routes remain operational
- Safety measures are in place
Fresh Weather Alert: More Rain & Flash Flood Risk
The IMD has issued a serious warning as two back-to-back western disturbances are set to impact northwest India.
Peak Impact:
- April 7–8: Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh
Risks Ahead:
- Heavy rainfall
- Flash floods
- Landslides
- Shooting stones in hilly areas
High-Risk Districts Identified
Authorities have urged caution in:
- Ramban
- Doda
- Kishtwar
- Poonch
Residents and travelers are advised to:
- Avoid unnecessary travel
- Follow traffic advisories
- Stay alert in landslide-prone zones
Weather Outlook Till April 10
- Intermittent rain likely across Jammu & Kashmir
- Moderate to heavy rainfall at several places
- Light to moderate snowfall expected in higher reaches
Weather conditions are expected to remain unstable for the next few days.
Ground Insight: Why This Matters
For Jammu & Kashmir, such disruptions highlight a recurring challenge:
- Fragile mountain roads
- Climate-driven extreme weather
- Dependence on a single highway
Experts warn that frequent highway closures can impact:
- Supply chains
- Tourism
- Emergency services
This latest weather disruption once again highlights the vulnerability of Jammu & Kashmir’s infrastructure to extreme weather events. With more rain forecast, authorities remain on high alert while residents brace for continued disruptions.
