Heavy rain unleashed destruction across Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, claiming 11 lives. Seven pilgrims died when a landslide struck the Vaishno Devi route near Adhkwari around 3 pm. Police said 21 others were injured, and more casualties were feared as many remained trapped under the debris.
Rescue teams rushed to the site, with the Indian Army deploying three relief columns to support operations around Katra. Officials confirmed the landslide hit near Inderprastha Bhojnalaya, about halfway along the 12-km trek to the shrine. The pilgrimage to Vaishno Devi was suspended immediately.
🚨BREAKING: Tragic landslide on Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage route near Ardhkuwari claims 5 lives, including a woman; ~14 injured. Yatra halted due to heavy rains.
— Siddharth (@Siddharth_00001) August 26, 2025
Rescue ops underway by Shrine Board & NDRF. Prayers for the departed & swift recovery for injured. 😔🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/cU77LvmCPs
In Doda district, four people also lost their lives in rain-related incidents. Three slipped into the river and drowned, while another died in a house collapse. Hundreds of residents were evacuated from low-lying areas as rivers swelled dangerously.
Transport and Communication Collapse
The relentless rain cut off Jammu and Kashmir from the rest of the country. Communication services failed in large areas, while road and rail networks came to a halt. Authorities suspended traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar and Kishtwar-Doda highways.
At least 18 trains were cancelled, and many more were either short-terminated or delayed. Train services stopped between Jammu Tawi and Katra, Pathankot and Kandrori, and Jammu Tawi and Bari Brahman due to landslides, soil erosion, and flooding. Tourists remained stranded with no clear timelines for restoration.
Widespread Damage Across Districts
Officials reported severe damage in high-altitude districts such as Kishtwar, Rajouri, Reasi, Ramban, and Poonch. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired an emergency meeting, calling the situation “serious.” He directed district authorities to remain on high alert and ensure food, water, and medicines reach affected families.
Nearly all rivers in Jammu and Kashmir flowed above danger levels. The Modhopur barrage on the Ravi river crossed the one lakh cusec mark, causing heavy flooding in Kathua. Other major rivers, including Chenab, Tawi, Ujh, and Taranah, also breached safety limits.
Cloud bursts are killing people - just be careful . 30 Dead, Several Injured After Landslide Hits Vaishno Devi Yatra Route In J&K. My deepest condolences with the bereaved families pic.twitter.com/K8ZmYwvetl
— Dr Srinubabu Gedela (@DrSrinubabu) August 27, 2025
Weather Worsens With No Relief Ahead
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported heavy rainfall in multiple districts, with Kathua receiving 155.6 mm in 24 hours, followed by Bhaderwah (99.8 mm), Jammu (81.5 mm), and Katra (68.8 mm). Authorities issued fresh warnings of cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides, predicting the bad weather would continue until August 27.
All schools in the Jammu division were ordered shut until August 27. The J&K Board of School Education also postponed Class 10 and 11 exams scheduled for Wednesday.
Himachal Pradesh Faces Rising Rivers and Washed-Out Roads
The situation was equally alarming in Himachal Pradesh. In Kullu, the Beas river in spate washed away a section of the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway (NH-3). Kullu Deputy Commissioner Torul S Raveesh said parts of the district were being evacuated as water levels rose sharply.
All schools in Kullu, Manali, and Banjar subdivisions were closed for August 27. Kullu SP Dr Karthikeyan Gokul Chandran said Manali was the worst-hit area. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu confirmed that Kullu-Manali, Kangra, and Una districts had suffered heavy damage after two days of nonstop rainfall.
Punjab on High Alert as Rivers Overflow
Punjab remained on edge as rivers overflowing from Himachal Pradesh and J&K flooded several districts. The Satluj, Ravi, Beas, and Ujh rivers swelled beyond danger levels, threatening areas in Pathankot, Hoshiarpur, Gurdaspur, Kapurthala, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, and Fazilka.
The Punjab administration, along with police teams, carried out relief and rescue missions. Officials confirmed that people were being moved to safer places and provided with essential supplies such as food, water, and medical aid.