A massive mudslide struck the Srinagar–Leh highway near Sonamarg on Thursday morning, disrupting traffic and leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded along the vital route. The incident occurred after continuous overnight rainfall loosened mountain slopes, sending torrents of mud and debris cascading onto the road.
Authorities immediately halted vehicular movement between Srinagar and Leh, citing safety concerns as rescue teams and road-clearing machinery rushed to the site. Officials confirmed that no casualties have been reported so far, though several vehicles narrowly escaped being swept away by the sudden slide.
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has deployed heavy equipment to remove debris and restore connectivity, but officials warned that clearance operations could take several hours due to the scale of the blockage. Travelers heading toward Ladakh have been advised to postpone their journeys until the route is declared safe.
Local residents reported rising water levels in nearby streams, raising fears of further slides if rainfall continues. The district administration has urged caution, stressing that the fragile terrain around Sonamarg remains vulnerable to extreme weather events during the monsoon season.
