In Jammu and Kashmir, the period of rain in the plains and snowfall in the hilly areas continues on Wednesday. The changing weather patterns gave relief from the heat, but now life is being affected by it. In Ramban of Jammu division and Anantnag and Baramulla in Kashmir division, orders have been issued to keep schools closed today due to inclement weather.
The 270-km-long Jammu-Srinagar National Highway remained closed for the second consecutive day on Wednesday. Here in the Ramban-Udhampur sector, landslides have occurred at more than 30 places, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded. In Dhok area of Kotranka tehsil of Rajori, 20 families of shepherds were trapped due to unseasonal snowfall. Several cattle have also been reported dead due to lightning and extreme cold. Traffic on the Mughal Road, an alternate link connecting Poonch and Rajouri districts of Jammu region with South Kashmir’s Shopian district, was also halted due to landslides en route.
Instructions have been issued to keep all schools closed today due to heavy rains in Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban districts of Jammu division. Ramban District Deputy Commissioner has issued instructions regarding this. Due to heavy rains, rivers and streams across the state are in spate. At the same time, the police and administration have advised people not to go near the river and drains. The Doda district administration has declared a high alert in many areas of the hill district.