Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: A landslide struck the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine route in Reasi district on Tuesday, leaving six people injured and forcing authorities to suspend the yatra midway. The incident, which occurred near Inderprastha Bhojnalaya at Adhkwari, comes as Jammu and Kashmir faces relentless rainfall for the third consecutive day. Rescue operations are underway with machinery and manpower deployed.
Yatra Suspended and Train Services Affected
Officials suspended the Himkoti route early Tuesday due to continuous downpours. Following the landslide, all train services from Katra were cancelled, disrupting thousands of devotees. At several points along the Chandigarh-Manali highway and other major routes, landslides and floods worsened the crisis, leaving travellers stranded overnight.
Monsoon Disruptions Across the Region
The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway was blocked at Ramban after landslides and shooting stones, while low-lying areas of Kathua, Udhampur, and Kishtwar reported flash floods. A bridge on the Sahar Khad river in Kathua collapsed, causing traffic disruptions on the Jammu-Pathankot highway. Educational institutions across multiple districts including Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, and Bilaspur remained closed under a red weather alert.
Cloudburst and Rising River Levels
A massive cloudburst in Doda triggered flash floods, forcing closure of key highways and worsening the situation. The Ravi, Tawi, and Chenab rivers have surged dangerously, with the Chenab reaching 899.3 meters—just below its warning threshold. Authorities confirmed three fatalities and widespread damage to homes, livestock shelters, and a private health centre.
Authorities Issue Weather Advisory
The Meteorological Department has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall in Jammu and South Kashmir until August 27. Residents have been advised to avoid rivers, streams, and landslide-prone slopes. District administrations have also released emergency helpline numbers to assist stranded people and coordinate rescue efforts.
