Mehbooba chairs high-level meet as heavy rains lash J-K

Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], Apr. 6 (ANI): Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today called on a high-level meeting with the army, police and the senior officers of the Jammu and Kashmir Government in Srinagar to take precautionary measures in view of the incessant rain and untimely snowfall that have led a flood-like situation in the region. Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir Police has established emergency help lines across the valley following the rise in water level in Jhelum River at Sangam and Ram Munshi Bagh. The cops have been asked to remain alert to meet any possible challenge and eventuality. Besides, emergency control rooms have been set up in all districts of the valley to provide help to the people in need. The control rooms would remain open 24x7. The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway on Wednesday was closed again after landslides hit the road. Hundreds of vehicles were stranded at Ramban. Traffic department officials said the 300 km-long highway was cleared of at several places between Banihal and Ramban, much to the relief of commuters. The Border Roads Organisation ordered its men and machines into service to clear the road after several hours of hard work, facilitating one-way traffic. Most parts of Jammu and Kashmir, including Srinagar and Jammu cities, witnessed heavy rains, while some parts in the upper reaches experienced fresh snowfall since yesterday, resulting in considerable drop in the temperature. The weather is expected to improve on April 9. (ANI)