India: Highways closed in Jammu-Kashmir June 30

Event

The Jammu-Srinagar national highway was closed on Friday, June 30, due landslides caused by heavy rainfall in the Ramban and Udhampur districts. Heavy rains triggered landslides on the highway at Nashri, Bali Nallah, Panthiyal, Bali Nallah (Udhampur district), and near the Nashri tunnel (Ramban district). Local authorities are currently working on clearing the road in the affected areas.

Context

Weather in Jammu and Kashmir is considered somewhat erratic. Warmer weather typically begins in mid-March and lasts until July or August but can be accompanied by heavy rains that often cause landslides and mudslides.

Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since the end of British rule in 1947. Both claim the territory in its entirety and tensions remain high in the region, with frequent outbreaks of violence.

Advice

Individuals present in the region are advised to monitor the situation and anticipate transportation delays. Plan alternate routes in the event of further landslides.

As a reminder, some Western governments advise their citizens against nonessential travel to the west of Jammu and Kashmir state and against all travel to the border region with Pakistan (direct vicinity of the Line of Control) due to the high threat of terrorism.