Heavy rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir brought life to a standstill on Wednesday as it triggered flash floods and landslides in several districts of the union territory. Incessant rains also forced the authorities to shut schools in several districts including Doda, Kishtwar, and Ramban. People were evacuated from low-lying areas and the Jammu-Srinagar national highway remained blocked for the second consecutive day due to landslides and mudslides leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded.
In Kashmir, the Jhelum crossed the danger mark at Sangam in the Anantnag district and the water level was rising in other rivers also. A high alert has been sounded in areas close to river Chenab and its tributaries, officials told the press.
The higher reaches of the region, including the Amarnath shrine, have witnessed a dip in the day temperature substantially due to snowfall.
Earlier in the day, Jammu and Kashmir Police rescued 50 passengers travelling in 10 vehicles who got trapped due to snowfall and heavy rains in the Kishtwar district. “Snowfall and heavy rains triggered flash-floods in Simthan top area following which 50 passengers including some women and children, were stranded. The police got the track cleared and after a lot of hard work rescued all the passengers,” an official said.