The strategic Srinagar-Leh Highway and several other roads in Jammu and Kashmir were on Thursday blocked due to landslides and flash-floods caused due to the overnight rain.

Normal life was thrown out of gear as Srinagar’s commercial hub of Lal Chowk and some other areas got waterlogged due to the incessant rain. Electric and water supply in Jammu was badly hit and many areas were without power since last night although the central government’s project worth several hundred crore of rupees to streamline power transmission has been executed here.

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Rain has brought respite from the three days long humidity and warm weather. Rains lashed the Jammu region around mid-night when the electric supply snapped and was restored in some areas on Thursday afternoon.

Traffic police said that the highway is blocked due to landslides at various places on the Srinagar-Leh road. As such traffic movement will remain suspended till complete clearance of landslides.

Several interior roads in the Doda and Kishtwar districts were blocked due to flash floods and landslides. Entire Jammu region is witnessing heavy rains since last night.

However, traffic was plying normally on the Srinagar-Jammu Highway.

The Amarnath pilgrimage was going on smoothly although the weather was cloudy. Helicopter service was also ferrying pilgrims. Heavy rainfall has also been reported from other parts of the valley.

The Meteorological department has forecast more rainfall over the next 24 hours.

Srinagar’s administration said that all the dewatering pumps have been activated to dewater the city in view of waterlogging caused by incessant rains since morning.

“Dewatering pumps have been activated at all locations & sucker machines deployed. More areas to be covered shortly,” Srinagar administration tweeted.

Dewatering pumps have been activated at all locations & sucker machines deployed. More areas to be covered shortly. pic.twitter.com/Z3ciH20Vlm

— Srinagar district administration (@srinagaradmin) July 25, 2019