Torrential rains have battered Jammu and Kashmir for the third consecutive day, claiming at least nine lives and causing widespread destruction across multiple districts. Among the worst-hit areas is Doda, where four people died in separate rain-related incidents, while five others lost their lives in a tragic landslide on the Vaishno Devi shrine route in Reasi district.
A devastating landslide struck the pilgrimage route to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine near Adhkwari, Reasi district, at around 3:00 PM on Tuesday. The incident occurred near the Inderprastha Bhojnalaya, approximately halfway along the 12-kilometre trek to the hilltop shrine. At least five pilgrims were confirmed dead, while 14 others sustained injuries.
Rescue operations are ongoing with teams deployed along the affected route. The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board confirmed the incident, stating on social media, “A landslide incident has occurred near Inderprastha Bhojnalaya at Adhkwari, some injuries are feared. Rescue operations are underway along with required manpower and machinery.” As a precautionary measure, the pilgrimage (yatra) to the holy site has been temporarily suspended.
In Doda district, two people died when their home collapsed due to intense rainfall. Two others were swept away in flash floods. A cloudburst has also been reported in the region. Several homes and properties have been damaged, and the local administration has urged residents to stay indoors and avoid venturing near riverbanks.
The relentless rain has triggered multiple landslides and mudslides, resulting in the collapse of a fourth bridge from the Bhagwati Nagar side. The Jammu-Srinagar national highway remains closed due to ongoing landslides and “shooting stones” in the Ramban district.
In Doda and Kishtwar districts, traffic on NH-244 has come to a standstill after sections of the road were washed away. Similarly, the Sinthan Top pass, which connects Kashmir Valley with Kishtwar, has been shut. The Srinagar-Leh highway is also closed due to heavy snowfall at Zojila Pass.
Several major rivers across the Union Territory are flowing above or near danger levels. In Udhampur, the Tawi River crossed the 20-foot danger mark and continues to swell downstream in Jammu. The Chenab River is reportedly close to breaching warning levels, while in Kathua, the Ravi River has overflowed, inundating low-lying areas. Officials also raised alerts over rising water levels in the Taranah, Ujh, Maggar Khad, and Sahar Khad rivers and tributaries in the Kathua region.
The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for several districts, including Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Reasi, Poonch, Rajouri, Kulgam, Kishtwar, Udhampur, Ramban, Doda, and Mirpur. Heavy rainfall is expected to continue in the coming days.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has expressed deep concern over the worsening situation. In a post on X , he said, “The situation in many parts of Jammu province is quite serious. I’ll be taking the next available flight from Srinagar to Jammu to personally monitor the developing situation.”
The Chief Minister chaired a meeting on Tuesday to review flood preparedness. He directed all departments to remain on high alert and ensure that emergency services are fully mobilised. Additional funds have been made available to deputy commissioners for urgent restoration and relief work. “Instructions have been issued to place additional funds at the disposal of the DCs to cover emergency restoration work and other exigencies,” Abdullah added.
District administrations have set up emergency helplines and advised residents to exercise extreme caution. Authorities are particularly warning people to stay away from rivers and landslide-prone areas. With rivers swelling, roads blocked, and infrastructure under strain, the region remains on high alert as heavy rain continues to pound Jammu and Kashmir.
