JAMMU-SRINAGAR HIGHWAY SHUT DOWN DUE TO LANDSLIDES AND FLOODS; HEAVY RAIN CAUSES PROBLEMS ACROSS JAMMU
JAMMU, Jammu and Kashmir – August 26, 2025:The 250-km Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, the main road between Kashmir and the rest of India, is closed to traffic. Officials announced the closure Tuesday morning because of heavy, constant rain that has caused landslides and falling rocks, especially in the Ramban district. The area has had rain for three days, causing rivers to rise and widespread flooding.
Road Closures and Areas Affected
The 250-km highway, also known as NH-44, was closed to keep people safe. Traffic stopped at checkpoints in Udhampur in Jammu and Qazigund in Kashmir. Falling rocks and landslides were reported at Chanderkote, Kela Morh, and Battery Cheshma.
The heavy rain has also made other roads impassable. Part of the Padder road in Kishtwar washed away, and landslides closed the Ramnagar-Udhampur and Jangalwar-Thathri routes in Doda.
Rivers at Dangerous Levels
The continuous rain has caused rivers and streams in the Jammu region to rise quickly, nearing or going over dangerous levels. The Tawi River went over its 20-foot danger mark in Udhampur district, and the Basanter River in Samba also went over its level early this morning. The Chenab River is also close to its warning level.
The overflowing Modhopur barrage in Kathua has caused bad flooding in low areas along the Ravi River. Authorities have issued flood warnings, telling people to stay away from water and areas prone to landslides.
Damage and Casualties
The heavy rains have caused flash floods and cloudbursts, leading to major damage. Reports from higher areas of Kishtwar, Doda, and Rajouri districts say that almost a dozen houses and cowsheds are damaged. The constant rain has disrupted normal life, flooding many urban areas and damaging bridges and culverts.
Officials have confirmed that at least four people have died in rain-related incidents in the Doda district, where a cloudburst caused flash floods. The Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra has also been temporarily stopped as a precaution because of the bad weather.
Two J&K Monsoon Deaths in Reasi and Kathua
Weather Forecast and Advice
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Jammu and Kashmir, predicting moderate to heavy rain in many districts through August 27. They have warned of cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides in high areas.
Authorities are telling people to avoid travel and stay alert. District and police control rooms are open and providing helpline numbers for emergencies, with disaster response teams and local police ready to help.
Past and Future
This situation reminds us that the region is easily affected by extreme weather. Jammu city recently had its second-highest single-day August rainfall in a century. This much rain in a short time puts pressure on local infrastructure and shows we need a strong disaster plan. These events happen often during the monsoon season, so we need long-term plans to reduce risks to infrastructure and lives. The situation is still critical as the region prepares for more rain soon.
