Monday, January 16 2006 14:05 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Srinagar: The Kashmir valley remained cut off from the rest of the country for the second day today, as landslides triggered by heavy snowfall and rains blocked the 300-km Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, official sources said.

Landslides at four places between Ramban and Ramsu on the highway blocked the road, the only surface link between Kashmir valley and the rest of the country, traffic authorities here said.

"Border Roads Organization (BRO) personnel and machines have been pressed into service to clear the road of the landslides," hey said.

The highway was closed for traffic yesterday after heavy snowfall between Qazigund to Jawahar Tunnel and the hill resort of Patnitop as heavy rains between Batote and Ramban had rendered the road unsafe.

The arterial road was opened for two-way traffic just three days ago after remaining blocked for a couple of days due to heavy snowfall.

The authorities, however, managed to open the highway for one-way traffic on January 3.

Meanwhile, residents of Srinagar and other major towns of Kashmir valley got a respite from the intense cold as night temperature was recorded at zero degree celsius.