Relentless monsoon rains have unleashed devastation across Jammu & Kashmir, with landslides, cloudbursts, and flash floods claiming more than 40 lives and crippling infrastructure.
The worst tragedy struck the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage route in Reasi, where a massive landslide on Wednesday, August 27, killed at least 32 people, forcing authorities to suspend the yatra. Hours later, another landslide in the same sector left nine more pilgrims dead, adding to the toll. Several others were injured, with hospitals in the region placed on emergency alert.
In Doda district, a powerful cloudburst triggered flash floods that swept away homes and roads, killing three people. Rising waters of the Chenab River also raised concerns about the stability of the Pul Doda bridge.
The widespread rains have paralyzed transport and communication links. National highways remain blocked at multiple points, bridges have collapsed, and train services were either cancelled or diverted. Telecom networks also remain patchy in several districts.
Rescue operations are underway on a massive scale, with the Army, NDRF, and Air Force pressed into action. Helicopters have been deployed to airlift stranded residents, while relief camps are being set up for displaced families. Schools across the Jammu division remain closed as a precaution.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief over the tragedy. Calling the incident “saddening,” he wrote on X: “The loss of lives due to a landslide on the route to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Temple is saddening. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover at the earliest. The administration is assisting all those affected. My prayers for everyone’s safety and well-being.”
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued fresh warnings of heavy to very heavy rainfall in the coming days, heightening fears of further landslides and floods in the region.
