Flashfloods, landslides as rains lash parts of J-K, schools shut in Doda

Flashfloods, landslides as rains lash parts of J-K, schools shut in Doda

Flashfloods, landslides as rains lash parts of J-K, schools shut in Doda

Ramban/Bhadarwah/Jammu, Heavy rains lashed parts of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, triggering flashfloods and landslides that blocked the strategic Jammu-Srinagar national highway with hundreds of vehicles stranded, and prompted authorities to shut schools in Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban districts.

A house-collapse incident was also reported from Ramban district, while five people trapped in flashfloods in the Ans river in Reasi district were rescued by the police, officials said.

The Doda district administration has declared high alert in several areas in the mountainous district.

"We have been forced to declare high alert in areas close to the Chenab and its tributaries, and also on slopes and slide-prone areas of Ramban and Doda districts," an official said.

The 270-km Jammu-Srinagar national highway was closed for the second consecutive day on Wednesday due to over 30 landslides and mudslides triggered by the heavy rains in Ramban-Udhampur sector, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded, officials said.

The traffic on Mughal Road, an alternative link connecting the twin districts of Poonch and Rajouri in the Jammu region with south Kashmir's Shopian district, was also suspended due to landslides en route, they said.

Besides Doda, the deputy commissioners of Ramban and Kishtwar districts have also ordered the closure of all educational institutes up to higher secondary level, including private schools, for the day, an official said.

"All schools across Ramban district, including higher secondary schools, will remain closed on Wednesday in view of the heavy rain and overflowing of nullahs and mudslides at several locations," Ramban Deputy Commissioner Mussarat Islam said in a tweet.

Officials said a kutcha house in Dachhan collapsed but all its occupants were safe.

The high-altitude areas, meanwhile, have witnessed snow triggering cold-wave conditions, according to officials.

"The decision was taken in view of the heavy rain resulting in flash floods and mudslides. Besides, there was warning related to adverse weather with indication of another spell of heavy rain during the day on Wednesday which may lead to landslides and shooting stones," said Bhadarwah ADC Dil Mir Choudhary.

"As a part of advisory in view of the hostile weather condition and reports submitted by tehsildars, I have directed CEO Kishtwar to close all educational institutes in the district on Wednesday. We will assess the situation later in the day for further decision," said DC Ashok Sharma.

"As of now, there is no report of any damage from any part of the district," the DC said.

The deputy commissioners of these districts have issued advisories asking people to remain indoors in view of flood-like situation developed in the mountainous belts. Heavy rains continue to lash the plains of the Jammu region, bringing the temperature down, officials said.

According to a weather office forecast, heavy rain is predicted in Kishtwar district which may cause temporary disruption of air and surface traffic mainly on the national highway and hilly roads, besides landslides and shooting stones in vulnerable spots of the highway, according to the advisory issued by the district administration.