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J&K flash floods: 5 killed as landslide hits Vaishno Devi shrine route - top developments

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The Times Of Indiapublisher-detail-arrow
26th August, 2025 16:15 IST
NEW DELHI: At least five people were killed as continuous heavy rain led to a landslide on the route to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine atop the Trikuta hill on Tuesday afternoon in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district . Fourteen others were injured in the incident, news agency PTI reported quoting officials.

Sharing a post on X, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board said, "A landslide incident has occurred near Inderprastha Bhojnalaya at Adhkwari, some injuries are feared. Rescue operations are underway along with required manpower and machinery."

The incident occurred about halfway along the 12-km trek to the hilltop temple later leading to suspension of the yarta. The incident comes amid heavy rainfall lashing Jammu and Kashmir for the third consecutive day.


Yatra suspended, around 10 trains cancelled


Authorities had already suspended the yatra on the Himkoti route in the morning due to heavy rainfall. However, the yarta was ongoing on the old route till 1.30 pm which was later suspended till further orders following the landslide.

Railways has cancelled nearly 18 trains due to heavy rains, with most services from Katra suspended.

According to ANI, train movement was disrupted after heavy soil erosion and flash floods in the Chakki River damaged the down line between Pathankot Cantt (PTKC) and Kandrori (KNDI).


Indian army joins rescue operation
Troops of Rising Star Corps swung into action to rescue villagers affected by flash floods in several areas, including Amli and Nud in Samba, as well as Kachle and Sujanpur in Pathankot, Makaura Pattan and Adalatgarh in Gurdaspur.

The Indian Army said that three relief columns of the White Knight Corps were swiftly mobilised for rescue and relief operations in and around Katra.

"One Column is assisting in saving lives in Ardhkuwari, Katra, One relief column reached location of landslide on the road Katra to Thakra Kot and one column providing assistance south of Jaurian. Efforts are on to save lives, provide assistance to needy and take the civilians to safe areas. Close coordination with civil agencies is being carried out," the Indian army posted on X.



Monsoon causes widespread disruption

The Jammu region has been experiencing intense monsoon showers, leading to swollen rivers, frequent landslides, and severe disruption of life in low-lying and hilly areas.

Traffic along the 250-km Jammu-Srinagar National Highway was suspended after landslides and shooting stones were reported at Chanderkote, Kela Morh, and Battery Cheshma in Ramban district. Vehicular movement was also halted at Udhampur and Qazigund.

Several other roads, including Padder road in Kishtwar and the Ramnagar-Udhampur and Jangalwar-Thathri routes, were damaged or blocked due to flash floods and landslides.

A bridge over the Sahar Khad river in Kathua was damaged after the river swelled, disrupting traffic on the Jammu-Pathankot Highway, a key arterial route.


Cloudburst in Doda triggers flash floods

Earlier in the day, a massive cloudburst in Doda district of J&K triggered flash floods, bringing normal life to a halt and forcing the closure of the Jammu-Srinagar highway, according to TV reports.

The heavy rainfall also set off landslides at several locations, worsening the situation further.


Rivers cross danger levels

The relentless rainfall has pushed rivers and streams above or close to their danger marks. The Modhopur barrage in Kathua has crossed the one lakh cusec mark, leading to flooding in low-lying areas along the Ravi river.

The Tawi river in Udhampur rose above the 20-foot danger level, while the Chenab river swelled to 899.3 meters, nearing its warning threshold.

Deputy Commissioner Harvinder Singh confirmed that three people have lost their lives due to the rains. He added that around 15 residential houses, a cow shed, and a private health centre were damaged in the downpour.


Weather department issues advisory

The Meteorological Department (MET) has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of Jammu and moderate to heavy showers in South Kashmir until August 27.

The advisory highlighted risks of cloudbursts, flash floods, landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones in hilly terrain, along with waterlogging in low-lying areas.

Authorities have urged residents to remain cautious and avoid rivers, streams, and landslide-prone slopes.

Jammu Divisional Commissioner issues district-wise helpline numbers amid a forecast of moderate to heavy rainfall over the next 40 hours.


District wise helpline numbers

The water levels of the Basantar, Tawi, and Chenab rivers are at alert level. Residents and visitors are advised to stay away from riverbanks and flood-prone areas.

The official handle of the Divisional Commissioner Jammu posted: "For emergencies, please contact the following numbers:

  • Jammu: 0191-2571616
  • Samba: 01923-241004, 01923-246915
  • Kathua: 01922-238796
  • Poonch: 01965-220888
  • Rajouri: 01962-295895
  • Udhampur: 01992-272727, 01992-272728
  • Reasi: 9419839557
  • Ramban: 01998-295500, 01998-266790
  • Doda: 9596776203
  • Kishtwar: 9484217492

Earlier on August 17, seven people were killed and 11 injured in a cloudburst in Kathua district, which also caused massive flooding and landslides, damaging infrastructure.

Another cloudburst during the Machail Mata Yatra on August 14 in Kishtwar triggered flash floods, leaving at least 55 people dead.

(With inputs from agencies)

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