2-day wet spell from Tuesday: MeT
Landslides disrupt vehicular traffic along highway
The Meteorological Department has predicted a 2-day wet spell in Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh, beginning Tuesday afternoon.
Deputy Director MeT, Mukhar Ahmad told Greater Kashmir that a fresh spell of intermittent light to moderate rain in plains and snowfall in higher reaches of J&K and Zojila, Drass and some areas of Zanskar region of Ladakh are most likely to occur during Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday.
“As usual it may lead to landslides in Banihal-Ramban axis of Jammu-Srinagar National Highway,” Mukhar said.
He said thunderstorm accompanied by strong winds with 30-40 km per hour speed, is also likely during the two-day wet spell. However, the weather on Monday was expected to remain dry across Jammu and Kashmir, he said.
MeT officials said frequent wet spells in Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh during March and April so far have helped overcome a rain deficit witnessed in both the Union Territories during February.
Landslides disrupt traffic on highway:
Traffic on 270-kilometer Srinagar-Jammu National Highway Sunday got disrupted after intervals due to landslides at various places along Ramban stretch of the highway.
The vehicles carrying oil and lubricants and essential commodities towards valley were stopped by the traffic police as landslides occurred at Cafeteria Morh, Boom Chanderkote and at Mehar stretch of Ramban Chanderkote stretch of the highway.
After clearing the landslides, the vehicular traffic was restored and vehicles carrying essentials were allowed to move towards Valley.
Traffic Advisory
A traffic advisory on Sunday said only trucks and other heavy vehicles carrying essential goods will be allowed on the National Highway on Monday.
It said movement of traffic was subject to fair weather and conditions of the road. It may be mentioned that the highway has remained closed for more than 45 days since November, 2019 due to inclement weather.
Frequent closure of the highway has caused a shortage of supplies in the Valley which is already reeling under the problems due to the prevailing situation owing to Covid-19.
The Mughal Road connecting Shopian district in Kashmir to Pir Panchal in Jammu remains closed for traffic due to accumulation of snow while only trucks and tankers carrying essential commodities are being allowed to move on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway.
(With inputs from MM Parvaiz in Ramban)
