Jammu-Srinagar National Highway Closed Due to Heavy Rains Trigger Flash Floods, Authorities Urge Caution

Published On: May 2, 2025

The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, the only all-weather road connecting Kashmir with the rest of India, was shut down on Friday after a cloudburst triggered heavy rains, flash floods, and mudslides in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ramban district, officials confirmed.

Cloudburst Hits Chamba Seri Area

A cloudburst over Chamba Seri in Ramban unleashed torrential rainfall, resulting in mudslides and flash floods. This led to a complete halt in vehicular movement on both sides of the 250-km highway.

“Vehicular movement has stopped from both sides due to mudslides at Chamba Seri in Ramban following flash floods caused by a cloudburst,” said a traffic police officer.

Warnings Issued in Reasi and Akhnoor

Due to rising water levels in the Chenab river, local authorities in Reasi and Akhnoor sectors have issued advisories, warning residents and tourists to stay away from riverbanks.

Landslide Blocks Highway at Multiple Points

Officials reported a landslide in Chamba that further blocked the route. Debris has blocked the highway in nearly a dozen locations between Nashri and Banihal, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded.

No Casualties Reported in Latest Incident

Fortunately, there has been no loss of life or injury in the latest event. Efforts to clear the highway are currently underway.

“Three machines have been deployed to clear the road,” said Parshotam Kumar, project director of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

Recent Tragedy Still Fresh in Memory

This incident comes barely two weeks after a similar cloudburst on April 20 led to three deaths and caused widespread damage to homes, shops, and roads in Ramban district.