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SRINAGAR, Jammu and Kashmir

Heavy rains and landslides closed the main highway in the Jammu and Kashmir region, officials said on Thursday.

The 250-kilometer (155-mile) highway known as NH-44, a key all-weather road connecting Kashmir valley with the Jammu division of the region, was closed after landslides and shooting stones caused panic, leaving vehicles transporting food supplies stranded.

After heavy rains, officials said, multiple landslides and shooting stones were triggered from hillocks overlooking the arterial road in the Ramban district of the region.

Flash floods also hit Ramban market, but there was no report of any casualties, the officials said.

However, the officials said that some vehicles parked on the roadside were damaged.

“Once we assess the situation, we can then determine the damages caused,” said Baseer-ul-Haq Choudhary, an official from the district.

He added that incessant rains are presently hampering the road clearance operation by agencies concerned.

“Commuters are advised not to travel on NH-44 till the weather improves and the road is clear,” a traffic department spokesman said.

The regional meteorological department had predicted a heavy rain spell between May 8 and May 11 in the region, with intense showers at a few vulnerable places.

“Intense showers at a few vulnerable places may lead to landslides and mudslides,” Meteorological Department Director Mukhtar Ahmad said.

Earlier, on April 19, flash floods on the national highway had killed three people and 1442 livestock.

It had also damaged 98 vehicles and over 500 structures.