In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the Srinagar-Jammu highway, the only road link of the Kashmir Valley with the outside world, continues to remain closed due to incessant rains that triggered landslides, shooting stones and waterlogging at multiple locations, officials said. According to Kahsmir Media Service,  the downpour has swollen rivers and streams across the valley, with the water level in Jhelum and its tributaries rising though still below the danger mark.

Several areas in south and central Kashmir, including Srinagar, recorded a rise of nearly three feet in water levels since Tuesday. Authorities announced closure of all schools and colleges across the valley as a precautionary measure amid forecast of more rainfall in the next 24 hours. Meanwhile, in the Jammu division, heavy rains have pushed the Tawi, Chenab, Basantar and Ujh rivers above the flood alert mark, prompting authorities to issue warnings and deploy rescue teams.

Rail traffic between Pathankot and Jammu also remains suspended for over a week, with Northern Railway cancelling 68 trains till September 30, while limited shuttle services are being run to facilitate stranded passengers. Meteorological officials have warned of more heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next 12 hours in vulnerable areas of Jammu and Kashmir, cautioning about the risk of cloudbursts, flash floods, landslides and waterlogging. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)