The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir remains on high alert as incessant heavy rainfall for the third consecutive day has wreaked havoc across the region. In a major development, the annual pilgrimage to the revered Hindu shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi has been temporarily suspended until further notice. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for the region, warning of continued intense rain.
Vaishno Devi Yatra Halted, Major Rivers Swell
The decision to suspend the Vaishno Devi yatra was made after a day of escalating rain and rising water levels. Earlier on Tuesday, battery car and helicopter services to the shrine, located in the Trikuta Mountains, had already been stopped, but pilgrims were still using the traditional trek route from Katra. The full suspension of the yatra is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of devotees.
Meanwhile, almost all major rivers and streams in the Jammu division, including the Tawi, Chenab, and Ravi, are flowing at or above the danger mark. In Udhampur, the Tawi River has reportedly crossed the 20-foot danger mark, while the Chenab is also flowing close to its warning level. This has led to the submergence of low-lying areas and roads, with authorities continuously monitoring the situation.
CM Omar Abdullah Directs High Alert
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has acknowledged the “serious situation” and has directed all concerned departments to remain on high alert. He has instructed officials to take immediate stock of flood control measures and has authorized the release of additional funds to deputy commissioners for emergency restoration work.
Infrastructure Damaged, Roads Blocked
The heavy rains have caused extensive damage to infrastructure. The crucial Jammu-Srinagar national highway has been suspended for traffic as a precautionary measure due to landslides and the shooting of stones from hillocks in the Ramban district. Other reports of damage have come from the higher reaches of Kishtwar, Doda, and Rajouri districts, where a bridge on the Jammu-Pathankot highway has collapsed and several other roads have been blocked.
The IMD reports that Kathua district recorded the highest rainfall in the last 24 hours at 155.6 mm, followed by Doda’s Bhaderwah at 99.8 mm and Jammu at 81.5 mm. Officials have advised people to stay away from water bodies and landslide-prone areas and have activated helplines for assistance.