Heavy Rain and Landslides Disrupt Travel in Jammu-Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh A series of cloud bursts in Jammu-Kashmir during the monsoon season has caused significant disruptions, with heavy rainfall in Budgam, a district in central Kashmir, leading to overflowing rivers and potential flood risks. On Thursday afternoon, intense rain triggered cloud bursts in Budgam, affecting local waterways without causing any reported casualties. Meanwhile, in Shopian district, torrential rains accompanied by hailstorms and strong winds damaged apple orchards, with most trees losing their fruit. The worst-affected areas include Danagam, Vanagam, Kachdora, Kaporin, Hanzipora, Bararipora, Rakhama, and Jepora. The persistent cloud cover has also disrupted helicopter services between Katarh and Sankhichhat, as per the weather forecast. The Shri Nagar Meteorological Centre issued an orange alert for the Jammu region, warning of heavy rainfall from September 9 to 12, with potential for floods, landslides, and rockfalls in certain areas. In Uttarakhand, the monsoon rains have caused widespread difficulties, with landslides and blocked roads cutting off communication in several villages. The Char Dham pilgrimage routes remain disrupted, with over 200 vehicles stuck on the Karnprayag-Gairsain highway for three hours. Landslides have blocked parts of the Badrinath and Gangotri highways, with two and three locations affected respectively. The Yamunotri highway is also partially closed. Pilgrims and travelers have been advised to stay at safe locations. As of the latest update, 108 motorable roads in the state are closed due to landslides and heavy rain. The highest rainfall recorded in the past 24 hours was 127 mm in Kharnapur and 101 mm in Lakhwar.#uttarakhand #himachal_pradesh #jammu_kashmir #shri_nagar_meteorological_centre #char_dham_pilgrimage
