The Kashmir valley remained cut off from the rest of the country for the fourth consecutive day on Sunday as the Jammu-Srinagar national highway was hit by fresh landslides.

Senior Superintendent of Police, (Traffic) National Highway, JS Johar said, “Jammu- Srinagar national highway remains closed for traffic for the fourth consecutive day on Sunday due to bad weather. Big landslides have hit the national highway at various places, especially Digdol and Nashri.”

“The NHAI which has pressed men and machinery into service to clear the debris and snow, has informed that the Jammu-Srinagar national highway will not be restored on Saturday,” he said.

The highway was closed for traffic on Thursday evening after heavy snowfall around the Jawahar Tunnel. Around 5000 vehicles remain stranded at various places on the highway, he said.

Meanwhile, snowfall continued in most parts of the valley, including in the areas in the plains, till Saturday morning. The Weather has improved in most parts of J&K on Sunday, however the cold wave has gripped the entire region. 

Srinagar recorded the minimum temperature of minus 0.5 degree Celsius, while Pahalgam minus 0.8 degree Celsius and Gulmarg minus 5 degrees Celsius, a MeT official said.

He said Drass, in Ladakh Union territory, recorded a low of minus 11 degrees Celsius, while Leh registered minus 10.1 degrees Celsius.

Jammu city recorded a low of 9.6 degrees Celsius, he added.