JAMMU, Sept 4: As the weather improved today after many days, over 400 vehicles loaded with essential commodities were cleared for Kashmir after the Mughal Road connecting Rajouri-Poonch with Shopian in Valley was reopened to traffic while, Jammu-Srinagar National Highway is likely to be restored tomorrow.Official sources said that at least seven persons were injured after a landslide hit Rattle Hydro-electric project site near Darbshalla in Kishtwar this morning while at least 50 families were rescued from Jamslan area of Mahore in district Reasi and shifted to safer place.Official sources said that at least seven persons were injured after a landslide hit Rattle Hydro-electric project site near Darbshalla in Kishtwar this morning while at least 50 families were rescued from Jamslan area of Mahore in district Reasi and shifted to safer place.IG Traffic, J&K Suleman Choudhary said that Jammu-Srinagar National Highway from Banihal up to Nashri Tunnel has been cleared for one way traffic. But the stretch between Jakheni in Udhampur up to Bali Nallah is problematic. He said the work on the other patches in between is on and is likely to be cleared shortly but Thrad landslide is still a major bottleneck. The NHAI has pressed men and machinery round the clock and they are hopeful of restoring highway shortly.He said Mughal Road was reopened this afternoon. The road had been caved in near Heerpur and rear Shikargah towards Poonch there was major landslide. Both points have been cleared. With the opening of this road about 350 trucks with essential food items and about over 55-60 oil and LPG tankers were dispatched to Kashmir valley from Jammu.
“Our main focus is to restore Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and I am closely in touch with the SSP Traffic National Highway and senior NHAI officials. Most of the slides on Batote- Kishtwar highway have also been cleared and with the restoration of stretch between Udhampur and Bali Nallah, traffic on Doda-Kishtwar-Bhaderwah route will also be restored. Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch has already been restored,” the IG added.
Kashmir valley was cut off from the rest of the country as all surface links, including the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, were closed for traffic on last Thursday due to multiple landslides and the washing away of road patches due to rains.
The closure of highways and other inter-regional roads since August 26 has resulted in over 4500 vehicles getting stuck at various places from Lakhanpur to Kashmir. The highway was partially reopened on Monday for facilitating the movement of some stranded vehicles.
Meanwhile, a landslide hit temporary sheds at the Rattle Power Project in Kishtwar district, prompting the administration to act swiftly and rescue seven persons on Thursday.
The incident took place in Dhrabshalla area when a landslide hit the tin sheds meant for washrooms at the power project site. At least seven people, who were trapped inside, were rescued, and three of them have been admitted to GMC Hospital in Doda.
Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Pankaj Sharma said all the injured are safe.
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh posted on X that he has spoken to DC Kishtwar Pankaj Sharma in connection with the incident.
“Must appreciate the district administration for taking prompt action and rescuing the injured persons who could have otherwise been fatal victims of the landslide at the Rattle power project in Dhrabshalla area,” Singh said.
The rescued persons are injured but safe and are being given the necessary medical treatment, in addition to every other required assistance, he added
Reports from Reasi said that at least 50 families were rescued from Jamslan and shifted to safer location in Mahore area of Reasi district.
Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Mahore, Shafqat Majeed Bhat, along with other officials, visited the Jamaslan Sarh and Bagga villages to assess the damage caused by incessant rainfall.
Speaking to Excelsior, the SDM informed that more than 50 houses in the area are under threat due to severe soil erosion and the risk of landslides following heavy rainfall. “These houses fall under the danger zone, and as a precautionary measure, the administration has shifted the affected families to safer places, including Panchayat Ghars and other secure buildings,” he said.
He said administration is keeping a close watch on the situation. “Those shifted to safer localities and relief camps have been provided with food, shelter and all necessary facilities,” he added.
A foot bridge was damaged due to flash flood in river after heavy rainfall near Higher Secondary School Seri Khawaja in Poonch last evening.
Abass Malik, a social activist and other locals said that people of more than 10 villages used to cross this bridge to reach their houses and after it gets damaged from one side, people are suffering.
Reports from Rajouri said during morning hours of Thursday, a devastating landslide triggered by relentless rainfall struck village Lower Kewal in Budhal. The house of Mohd Jameel, son of Sain Khan, was completely destroyed in the incident. Upon receiving information, a rescue and relief team from A-Coy, 237 Battalion, CRPF Budhal led by Assistant Commandant Sandeep Kumar Hati, promptly rushed to the site.
Showing remarkable efficiency and courage, the CRPF men ensured the safe evacuation of all residents, with no loss of human life reported.
Unfortunately, the landslide also trapped two horses under the debris. Despite tireless efforts only one of the animals could be rescued alive, while the other succumbed to its injuries.
The administration has intensified restoration work and debris clearance in low-lying areas of Jammu city following flooding in the Tawi river, and has considerably restored water and power supply in the affected areas.
Officials claimed that they have restored 70 per cent of water supply and 80 per cent of the power supply.
Record-breaking rainfall triggered panic as the river Tawi, roared with flood fury on August 26, inundating hundreds of homes and hectares of farmland, washing away structures and livestock, and displacing thousands in Jammu city, particularly Gujjar Nagar and Peerkho.
“Cleanliness operations are being undertaken at a fast pace to remove muck and debris from localities and ensure they are fully cleared of deposits left by the floodwaters of the Tawi. The administration is fully working on this issue,” a senior official said .
“A large number of labourers and six JCBs are engaged to ensure the areas are cleaned as soon as possible. Senior officials are monitoring the process,” he said.
He said the administration is working in a proactive manner. “The Deputy Commissioner, Municipal Commissioner and MD JPDCL — all are on the ground, working fast to restore essentials. Muck and debris clearance is being carried out in the area,” he said.
