Srinagar: A severe cloudburst in the Ganderbal district has caused significant damage to infrastructure, prompting the closure of the vital Srinagar-Leh highway. This arterial route, critical for connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh, will remain closed until repairs can be made.

According to Kashmir Media Service, officials reported that the damage occurred at Kacherwan in Ganderbal district during the night, leading to an immediate suspension of traffic along the Srinagar-Leh road. The severity of the road damage has necessitated extensive repairs, and authorities have not indicated a timeline for reopening.

In addition to the road damage, local police have reported that several buildings, including residential properties, have sustained damage due to flash floods triggered by the cloudburst. The sudden floodwaters have also rendered the Baltal base camp for the Amarnath Yatra inaccessible, disrupting pilgrimage activities and stranding travelers.

The disruption poses significant challenges not only for traffic between Kashmir and Ladakh but also for emergency and recovery efforts in the region.