Unprecedented Rainfall Triggers Widespread Devastation
Jammu and Kashmir is reeling under the impact of torrential rains, floods, and landslides that have left a trail of destruction from Katra to Doda. With 380 mm rainfall recorded in Jammu within 24 hours—the highest in 115 years—bridges have collapsed, power lines snapped, and mobile networks disrupted. Entire towns and villages remain submerged, while thousands of families have been displaced.
Vaishno Devi Pilgrimage Turns Tragic: 34 Dead
The sacred Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra has been hit by an unprecedented disaster. A massive landslide near Indraprastha Bhojanalaya in Ardhkumwari on the pilgrimage route buried devotees under rocks and debris.
Death toll: 34 pilgrims confirmed dead, including 11 from Uttar Pradesh.
Injured: At least 21 devotees have been hospitalized.
Rescue status: Search operations are ongoing as officials fear more victims may be trapped under the debris.
The tragedy struck on Tuesday afternoon around 3:00 PM, when a portion of the mountain collapsed without warning, triggering panic and chaos. Rescue operations using helicopters are still underway.
Vaishno Devi Yatra Suspended for Second Day
In view of the tragedy and continuous rainfall, authorities have suspended the Vaishno Devi Yatra for the second consecutive day. Thousands of stranded devotees are being assisted with bus services diverted from Katra to Jammu, but travel remains difficult due to blocked roads and damaged infrastructure.
Rail Services Severely Disrupted
The Jammu–Pathankot railway line suffered extensive damage due to land subsidence at Chakki Pul Pathankot, resulting in:
58 trains cancelled
46 trains short-terminated before their scheduled destinations
18 trains diverted to alternative routes
Landslides at Chak Rakhwala and other stretches near Katra further disrupted services, forcing passengers to rely on overcrowded buses. Railway officials confirmed that restoration work is ongoing but could take days due to continuous landslides.
Jhelum River Breaches Flood Mark
The Jhelum River crossed danger levels at multiple points:
Sangam (Anantnag)
Ram Munshi Bagh (Srinagar)
Floodwaters entered low-lying areas, including Kursu Rajbagh in Srinagar, forcing police and SDRF teams to evacuate residents. Judges in Anantnag court had to travel by boat to continue judicial work, highlighting the scale of the flooding.
In Avantipora, police teams carried out door-to-door evacuations, moving people to relief shelters. SDRF also rescued 22 people trapped in the Lidder river.
Infrastructure Collapse Across Jammu Division
The destruction has been widespread:
Bhagwati Nagar Tawi Bridge partially collapsed, suspending vehicular movement.
Sahar Khad River bridge damaged, restricting heavy traffic between Kathua and Punjab.
Lakhanpur Madhopur barrage breached two gates, trapping a gateman who was rescued by helicopter.
A CRPF camp in Lakhanpur was washed away; 25 people, including 22 jawans and a dog, were airlifted to safety.
Ten houses destroyed in Pader (Kishtwar) due to a cloudburst.
Kishtwar–Batot NH 244 closed after multiple landslides.
Communication Blackout Continues
For the second consecutive day, communication services across Jammu and Kashmir remain crippled. Mobile networks and internet connectivity are patchy, further complicating rescue efforts.
Education Shutdown Across the Union Territory
In response to the worsening weather, Education Minister Sakina Ittu announced closure of all schools and colleges on Thursday, August 28, 2025.
Schools had already been closed in Jammu since Monday.
On Wednesday, six districts in Kashmir—Anantnag, Kulgam, Pulwama, Shopian, Budgam, and Srinagar—suspended classes as a precaution.
The minister posted on X:
“Schools and colleges in Jammu and Kashmir will remain closed tomorrow (28 August 2025) due to bad weather.”
Cloudbursts, Landslides, and Flooded Villages
Rajouri, Samba, and Kishtwar reported cloudbursts and heavy landslides, destroying homes and farmland.
Villages in Anantnag and Pulwama are submerged, with rescue teams evacuating families in rubber boats.
In Doda and Ramban, massive landslides have cut off road connectivity, stranding vehicles for hours.
Weather Forecast: More Rains Expected
The Meteorological Department Srinagar has issued fresh warnings:
August 28–29: Light to moderate rain in Jammu division and South Kashmir.
August 30–September 1: Heavy rain forecast for Jammu division.
September 2–5: Another spell of fluctuating weather across the Union Territory.
Residents have been urged to stay indoors, avoid riverbanks, and follow local administration advisories.
Pilgrims and Devotees Stranded in Katra
Heavy rains and landslides in Katra have left thousands of devotees stranded.
Rail connectivity is disrupted, forcing crowds to gather at Katra bus stand.
Authorities have arranged extra buses via University Marg to Jammu to provide relief.
Pilgrims returning after visiting Mata Vaishno Devi shrine expressed anguish over long waits, overcrowded transport, and lack of proper facilities.
Emergency Helplines Activated
In view of the crisis, Srinagar Police has issued emergency helpline numbers to assist stranded residents. Rescue forces including SDRF, NDRF, CRPF, and Army units are on high alert across flood-prone districts.
Conclusion
The catastrophic rains and landslides in Jammu and Kashmir have caused one of the worst natural disasters in recent years, with the death toll in the Vaishno Devi landslide rising to 34. With rail and road connectivity crippled, schools closed, communication networks disrupted, and thousands displaced, the Union Territory faces a humanitarian crisis.
As rescue operations continue and more rains are forecast, the immediate focus remains on saving lives, evacuating stranded residents, and restoring essential services. The tragedy underscores the need for stronger disaster preparedness in one of India’s most vulnerable regions.
