Traffic officials said torrential rains have a clearance operation in Magarkote sector of the highway which w s hit by the landslides on Saturday.

"Landslide clearance operation will resume once the rains stop. Travellers are advised to contact control rooms in Jammu and Srinagar before undertaking a journey," the officials said.

Scores of vehicles were also stranded on the highway. Authorities made arrangements on Saturday for lodging of the stranded passengers in some government schools and other shelters in Ramsoo area.

Free food was also served by the local administration in coordination with civilians living in the area.