Rain Havoc in Jammu & Kashmir: 9 Killed, 5 in Massive Landslide Near Vaishno Devi

Rain Fury Batters J&K: 9 Dead, Roads Washed Away, Vaishno Devi Yatra Halted.

At least nine people have died as relentless rain, cloudbursts, and landslides wreaked havoc across Jammu and Kashmir. Doda district was the worst hit, where flash floods and house collapses claimed four lives and destroyed several homes and roads.

A major landslide at Ardhkwari near the Vaishno Devi shrine left five pilgrims dead and several others injured. Rescue teams rushed to the spot as the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board confirmed the incident and announced that the yatra has been suspended until further notice.

Trains, Highways Disrupted

The downpour has snapped critical connectivity across the region. Traffic on NH-244, linking Doda with Kishtwar, has been suspended after a road stretch was washed away. The Srinagar-Jammu national highway remains blocked due to landslides in Ramban, while the Sinthan Top and Zojila Pass have also been shut after heavy snowfall.

Several trains to and from Katra, including the Vande Bharat, Shri Shakti, and Hemkunt Express, stand cancelled.

CM Abdullah in Jammu to Monitor Crisis

Calling the situation “serious,” Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said he was flying to Jammu to personally review relief efforts. He directed officials to place emergency funds at the disposal of district administrations and chaired a high-level meeting on flood preparedness.

Rivers Overflow, Towns Flooded

Rivers Tawi and Ravi are flowing above the danger mark, flooding low-lying areas in Kathua and other districts. Authorities have urged residents to avoid riverbanks and remain alert.

Schools Shut, Helplines Activated

All schools in Jammu will remain closed on August 27 due to worsening weather conditions. Helplines have been set up in all affected districts, with authorities warning of more heavy rain in the next 24 hours.

Helplines have been set up across affected districts, and local authorities remain on high alert. The weather department has forecast more heavy rain in Jammu region over the next 24 hours. The emergency contact numbers for people in various districts are:

Jammu – 0191-2571616
Samba – 01923-241004, 01923-246915
Kathua – 01922-238796
Poonch – 01965-2200888
Rajouri – 01962-295895
Udhampur – 01992-272727, 01992-272728
Reasi – 9419839557
Ramban – 01998-29550, 01998-266790
Doda – 9596776203
Kishtwar – 9484217492