Srinagar, Sep 2, KNT: Traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway was suspended again on Tuesday after heavy rains triggered mudslides and shooting stones at several places, officials said.
The 250-km stretch, the only all-weather road connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country, was closed for vehicular movement between Samroli and Banihal sector due to incessant downpour. Officials from the traffic department said the suspension was a precautionary measure in view of the bad weather and the forecast of more heavy rains.
The highway had only reopened for partial traffic on Monday after remaining closed for six days. Authorities had managed to clear most of the stranded vehicles, including trucks carrying essential supplies to the Valley, before the fresh disruption.
According to the Meteorological Department, the expected spell of rainfall could intensify the risk of cloudbursts, flash floods, landslides and shooting stones in vulnerable stretches. People have been advised to stay away from rivers, streams and landslide-prone zones. [KNT]
