RAMBAN: Deputy Commissioner Ramban Baseer-Ul-Haq Chaudhary today visited several sites along the National Highway-44 (NH-44) damaged due to fresh mudslides.

Accompanied by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Kulbir Singh, and SSP Traffic National Highway, Raja Adil Hamid, monitored the ongoing restoration work at Seri and other affected locations across the district.

The National Highway was closed for traffic after a fresh cloudburst today morning and subsequent mudslides at over five locations, severely impacting vehicular movement and stranding commuters.

Taking stock of the work in progress, the Deputy Commissioner said that restoration of traffic movement on NH-44 is the top priority to ensure that stranded vehicles and passengers reach their destinations safely. He informed that adequate manpower and machinery have been pressed into service to expedite the clearance operations.

The Deputy Commissioner also informed that the cloudburst has significantly affected villages like Bagna, Maroge, Balihote, and Sincha. Assessment of damages and immediate restoration work will start soon in these areas to mitigate the impact on local residents

Further, the district administration is providing all possible assistance, including food and other essential items, to stranded drivers and needy individuals.

The Deputy Commissioner has appealed to the public to remain patient, follow official traffic and weather advisories, and avoid unnecessary travel until the highway is fully restored and safe for movement. Rely on Information available on official handles of District Administration, District Police Ramban and Traffic Police, he added.