India: Flooding, landslides block highways in Jammu and Kashmir June 21

Event

According to local police, multiple landslides on early Wednesday, June 21, blocked the Jammu-Srinagar and Batote-Kishtwar national highways in Jammu and Kashmir, stranding hundreds of people. Heavy rain caused flooding and slides in the Udhampur and Ramban districts: blockages caused by mudslides and landslides were reported in the Panthiyal and Bali Nallah areas. More than 200 vehicles were stranded and it is unclear if the highways have been cleared as of June 22. Light to moderate rain is predicted to impact the region until Friday, June 23, which could cause conditions to deteriorate further. Transportation delays in the region are likely in the coming days.

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.