JAMMU: Torrential rain triggered fresh landslides across Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, forcing authorities to keep the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) closed for the third consecutive day.
The suspension of all major pilgrimages in the Union Territory — the Amarnath Yatra, Vaishno Devi Yatra, Machhail Mata Yatra, Shiv Khori Yatra and Sarthal Mata Yatra — remained in effect for the sixth day, having been halted since July 19 due to adverse weather.
Officials said the highway was blocked at Deohal bridge, Samroli and Jakhani in Udhampur district, and at Banihal in Ramban district. The closure left more than 1,000 vehicles stranded at Ramban, Nagrota, Jammu, Udhampur, Lakhanpur and Samba.
With the risk of fresh landslides and shooting stones continuing along the route, authorities advised commuters to avoid travelling on the highway until it is declared safe for traffic.
In Kishtwar district, the district magistrate on Friday prohibited all movement along the Kishtwar–Paddar–Gulabgarh route from July 25 to 27, citing rain-induced hazards including slippery roads, landslides and persistent shooting stones.
The order said all ceremonial and customary rituals associated with the Machhail Mata Yatra would be conducted symbolically and urged pilgrims and the public not to travel towards Gulabgarh or Machhail during the restriction period.
Meanwhile, flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall hit the Barkuanda area in Bupp, Udhampur, early Friday, affecting several households. No casualties were reported, and officials said an assessment of the damage was underway.
