Landslides and Floods Wreak Havoc in Jammu & Kashmir, 30 Dead Near Vaishno Devi Shrine

Jammu & Kashmir, Katra: At least 30 people have lost their lives after torrential rains triggered a massive landslide near the Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra, prompting authorities to suspend the pilgrimage. The relentless downpour has unleashed widespread devastation across the Union Territory, causing flash floods, landslides, and large-scale infrastructure damage.

Bridges collapsed under the force of floodwaters, electricity poles and mobile towers snapped like twigs, and telecom services fell silent across vast stretches of the region, cutting off millions from communication.

Authorities reported that traffic movement on the Jammu–Srinagar and Kishtwar–Doda national highways has been suspended, with dozens of hill roads blocked or washed away. Several train services to and from Jammu have also been cancelled.

Tragedy Strikes Amid Ongoing Rain Havoc

The disaster comes just days after a cloudburst struck Kishtwar district’s Chisoti village, en route to the Machail Mata temple, on August 14. That tragedy claimed 65 lives—mostly pilgrims—and left more than 100 injured. Several people remain missing.

On Tuesday, fresh rain-related incidents added to the toll: four people were killed in Doda district alone, including three who drowned after slipping into a swollen river and one who died in a house collapse. Hundreds have been evacuated from vulnerable low-lying areas across the province.

Reports of extensive damage to public and private infrastructure have poured in from the high-altitude districts of Kishtwar, Reasi, Rajouri, Ramban, and Poonch. Officials cautioned that the true extent of the disaster will only become clear once on-ground assessments are completed.

Chief Minister Calls Emergency Meeting

Calling the situation “serious,” Chief Minister Omar Abdullah convened an emergency meeting with senior officials and directed all district administrations to remain on high alert.

“…instructions have been issued to place additional funds at the disposal of the DCs (Deputy Commissioners) to cover emergency restoration work and other exigencies,” Abdullah wrote on X.

He further directed that essential supplies, including food, water, and medicines, be delivered promptly to affected families, with priority given to vulnerable groups.

Rivers Breach Danger Marks

Floodwaters have pushed nearly all major rivers and water bodies in Jammu & Kashmir above the danger level. The Modhopur barrage on the Ravi River in Kathua district crossed the one-lakh-cusec mark, leading to heavy inundation.

Other rivers—including the Taranah, Ujh, Tawi, and Chenab—have also overflowed, forcing police and civil authorities to repeatedly urge residents to relocate to safer areas.

According to the Meteorological Department, Kathua district recorded the heaviest rainfall—155.6 mm—in the 24 hours ending at 8:30 am, followed by Bhaderwah in Doda (99.8 mm), Jammu (81.5 mm), and Katra (68.8 mm).

Schools Shut, Exams and Recruitment Halted

In view of the continuing threat, authorities have issued advisories urging citizens to stay away from rivers, streams, and landslide-prone zones. All government and private schools across the Jammu division will remain closed until August 27, while the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education has postponed Class 10 and 11 examinations scheduled for Wednesday.

Recruitment drives for constables in various security forces, including the Border Security Force (BSF), have also been suspended.

Weather Outlook

The Meteorological Department has warned of sustained moderate to heavy rainfall across the region until August 27, with a high likelihood of cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides.

As rescue and relief operations continue, authorities remain on high alert to mitigate further loss of life and property in the coming days.