A landslide struck the pilgrimage route to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Reasi district on Tuesday, leaving at least six people injured, officials confirmed. The incident occurred near Inderprastha Bhojnalaya at Adhkwari, roughly halfway along the 12-kilometre trek to the hilltop temple.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board posted on X that rescue teams, along with necessary manpower and equipment, had been deployed immediately. The shrine board added that operations are continuing to ensure the safety of pilgrims and staff.
Yatra and Train Services Suspended
The ongoing pilgrimage was suspended earlier in the day on the Himkoti route because of persistent heavy rainfall. Following the landslide, the suspension was extended to cover other routes as well. Railways announced the cancellation of nearly 10 trains from Katra, the base camp of the shrine, citing unsafe conditions caused by the weather.
Widespread Disruptions in Jammu Region
The Jammu region has been battered by intense monsoon showers for the third consecutive day, triggering swollen rivers, landslides, and flooding. The 250-kilometre Jammu-Srinagar National Highway was closed after landslides and shooting stones blocked stretches at Ramban’s Chanderkote, Kela Morh, and Battery Cheshma. Traffic disruptions were also reported in Udhampur and Qazigund.
Several rural roads, including the Padder road in Kishtwar and the Ramnagar-Udhampur and Jangalwar-Thathri routes, were damaged or rendered impassable due to flash floods and mudslides. In Kathua, a bridge over the Sahar Khad river was washed out, causing a major disruption along the Jammu-Pathankot highway, a key arterial link.
Cloudburst in Doda and Rising Rivers
Earlier on Tuesday, a cloudburst in Doda district triggered flash floods that further worsened travel and communication in the region. Authorities said rivers and streams have risen above danger marks. The Ravi crossed the one lakh cusec level at the Modhopur barrage in Kathua, while the Tawi river surged past its 20-foot danger threshold in Udhampur. The Chenab also swelled close to its warning level at 899.3 metres.
Deputy Commissioner Harvinder Singh confirmed three deaths due to rain-related incidents and reported damage to at least 15 homes, a cow shed, and a private health centre.
Weather Advisory and Helplines
The Meteorological Department has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of Jammu and moderate to heavy showers across South Kashmir until August 27. Residents have been cautioned against venturing near rivers, streams, and landslide-prone slopes.
Authorities have also issued district-wise emergency helpline numbers for residents. The Divisional Commissioner’s office urged people to remain vigilant over the next 40 hours, given the heightened risk of flash floods, cloudbursts, and landslides.
Recent Rain-Related Tragedies
This incident follows a series of weather-related disasters in Jammu and Kashmir this month. On August 17, seven people were killed and 11 injured after a cloudburst in Kathua district triggered landslides and flooding. Earlier, on August 14, at least 55 lives were lost during the Machail Mata Yatra in Kishtwar after flash floods caused by another cloudburst.