Vaishno Devi yatra suspended amid heavy rains, authorities on high alert in Jammu

The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra has been temporarily suspended due to incessant rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Tuesday. Authorities have urged pilgrims to stay alert as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a high-alert advisory for the region.

Continuous downpour has swollen rivers, streams, and seasonal waterways across the Jammu division, with major rivers like the Tawi and Ravi flowing above the danger mark. Evacuation measures are underway in vulnerable areas, and residents have been advised to remain cautious and avoid landslide-prone zones.

The shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi is situated in the Trikuta Mountains near Katra in Reasi district. Pilgrims typically undertake a 13-km trek from Katra to the holy cave shrine.

According to officials, multiple government departments have been placed on high alert, and rescue operations have begun in affected districts to shift people to safer locations.

The MeT Department reported the following rainfall in the Jammu division during the past 24 hours, recorded till 8.30 am Tuesday:

Jammu – 81.5 mm

Banihal – 28.3 mm

Batote – 36.9 mm

Katra – 68.8 mm

Bhaderwah – 99.8 mm

Kathua – 155.6 mm

Jammu Airport – 81.4 mm

Udhampur – 92.4 mm

Ramban – 29.5 mm

Kishtwar – 34.0 mm

Rajouri – 0.4 mm

Reasi – 67.0 mm

Samba – 99.5 mm

The advisory forecasts intense to very heavy rainfall and thunderstorms across the Jammu division and heavy rain in parts of the Kashmir division on Tuesday. People have been strongly advised not to venture close to riverbanks, streams, or nallahs, and to remain vigilant against potential landslides.

(With inputs from syndicated feed)