Heavy rains continue to batter Kashmir; rivers in spate, Jammu-Srinagar NH closed

Schools and colleges were closed as the Meteorological Department has forecast more showers in the next 24 hours

 Road filled with mud water outside the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu (SKUAST-Jammu) following flash floods, at Chatha | PTI Road filled with mud water outside the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu (SKUAST-Jammu) following flash floods, at Chatha | PTI

The Srinagar – Jammu National Highway was closed as heavy downpour continued to pound Kashmir Valley on Tuesday, leading to flood-like situation in several low-lying areas.

Schools and colleges were closed as the Meteorological Department has forecast more showers in the next 24 hours.

The water level has alarmingly risen in several rivers and streams in the valley, prompting authorities to prepare for evacuation.

"The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) has been closed for all types of vehicular traffic due to heavy rainfall, which has triggered landslides, shooting stones, and waterlogging at multiple locations," officials said.

According to the weathermen, though the intensity of the rainfall was light to moderate in most parts, some areas in south Kashmir experienced heavy falls.

There is a possibility of cloudburst, flash floods, landslides or waterlogging at a few vulnerable places, they said.

In Jammu division, most rivers and streams are flowing near their alert levels as torrential rains pounded the region throughout the day.

People have also been asked to remain cautious and stay away from the swollen water bodies and vulnerable areas prone to landslides.

The Board of School Education announced the postponement of exams of Classes 10 and 11 scheduled for September 3. Jammu University also suspended classes on Wednesday. 

People living in low-lying areas near the rivers have been asked to relocate to safer places amid the prediction of rain continuing till Wednesday afternoon.

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