Jammu rain fury leaves at least 31 dead: Vaishno Devi yatra halted, schools shut; relief ops on

At least 31 people were killed and 23 injured after a massive landslide struck the Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra track near Ardhkumari in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, on Wednesday amid heavy rains. Rescue teams are still clearing debris amid fears that more pilgrims may be trapped.

Torrential rains have battered Jammu and Kashmir, unleashing flash floods and landslides across the region. In Jammu, vital infrastructure has crumbled, with bridges washed away and power lines and mobile towers badly damaged. More than 3,500 residents were evacuated by Tuesday as floodwaters swamped several low-lying areas.

Authorities have suspended the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage in view of the downpour, as the region continues to grapple with widespread destruction.

As Tawi Bridge began to collapse after heavy rains battered Jammu, the timely intervention of local police and civilians helped save lives today. Kudos to them! The LG administration should recognize and reward them for their presence of mind. @OfficeOfLGJandK @JmuKmrPolice https://t.co/aXtUmF8WC5 pic.twitter.com/SLB51x1TIF

— Shesh Paul Vaid (@spvaid) August 26, 2025

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah wrote on X that he is “still struggling with almost non-existent communication” as rain disrupted major services. “No fixed line WiFi, no browsing,” he added, noting that apps were opening “frustratingly slowly.”

On Tuesday, Jammu recorded its highest rainfall between 11:30 am and 5:30 pm, with 22 cm falling in just six hours, according to official data. The downpour eased after midnight, providing some relief. Earlier that afternoon, another landslide had struck the shrine route, killing nine and injuring 21. The powerful collapse left the Trikuta hill path in ruins, with officials warning that the toll could rise further.

Evacuation and relief operations are ongoing with joint efforts by the District Administration, J&K Police, NDRF, SDRF, the Indian Army, and local volunteers. Authorities have also issued a flood alert for the Jhelum River in South Kashmir after water levels crossed the danger mark of 22 feet near Sangam.

Officials said that 20–30 low-lying localities in Jammu and Samba were submerged by flash floods. The administration has been receiving distress calls for evacuation, while infrastructure across the region has suffered extensive damage, with bridges collapsing and mobile towers and electricity poles snapping under the pressure.