A cloudburst in Ganderbal district, Jammu and Kashmir, on Sunday has led to substantial road damage, resulting in the indefinite closure of the Srinagar-Leh national highway. Officials confirmed that traffic on this critical route has been suspended due to severe damage at Kacherwan, a key location in Ganderbal.
Flash Floods Cause Widespread Impact
The cloudburst struck during the early hours, unleashing intense rainfall that triggered flash floods. These floods have severely impacted the road infrastructure and caused damage to several buildings, including residential homes. The extent of the damage has made the highway impassable.
Local authorities are actively on-site, working to provide assistance and evaluate the situation. The closure of the highway has severed the vital link between the Kashmir valley and the Ladakh union territory, causing significant disruptions for travelers. Moreover, the Baltal base camp, an essential stop for the Amarnath yatra pilgrimage, has also been rendered inaccessible due to the flooding and road damage.
Travelers Advised to Seek Alternatives
Emergency services are mobilized to offer support and work on restoring access. Travelers are advised to avoid the area and seek alternative routes. Officials recommend staying informed through official channels for updates on road conditions and travel advisories.