Traffic suspended on NH for 8 hrs
Gopal Sharma
JAMMU, Aug 17: A cloudburst swept away makeshift tents and livestock of a nomad family near Jawahar tunnel in Banihal area of Ramban district early today while traffic on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway remained suspended for about eight hours after landslides in Ramban sector. However, there was no report of any loss of human life.
Official sources said that there was heavy rain in Banihal and Ramban areas during early hours today. Suddenly, incident of cloudburst took place at Pir Panjal near Jawahar tunnel at around 4.15 am today. It caused flash flood in Jawahar tunnel Nallah.
Hearing deafening sound of cloudburst and flood water with rolling away of stones and boulders, at least a score of sleeping members of nomad family woke up and ran for the safety. About 70-80 sheep/goats of the family were reported to have been washed away in the flood. The bodies of some of the animals were recovered during the day.
After coming to know about the incident, SDPO and SHO Banihal accompanied by Tehsildar and some SDRF rescue team members reached the spot. The Army men from 12 RR also rushed there for rescue and provided immediate assistance to the affected family. Some food items and blankets were also provided. Their some belongings were washed away in the flood. But there was no loss of any human life.
The Lieutenant Governor directed the district administration Ramban to provide immediate relief to the nomad families affected by cloudburst near Jawahar Tunnel.
“SDPO, SHO and Tehsildar from Banihal rushed towards the spot with food & shelter. Financial assistance to be provided at the earliest,” Lt Governor Manoj Sinha tweeted.
Meanwhile, after heavy rain in Ramban today, landslides took place at Mehar, Cafeteria Morh and Seri areas of Ramban. With this, movement of traffic on busy Jammu-Srinagar highway was stalled at around 2 pm today.
A large number of vehicles remained stranded on both sides of the highway for about six hours. The highway could be restored at around 8 pm for one way traffic. The movement of vehicles towards Jammu was allowed at first by the Traffic police authorities.
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