The pilgrimage to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine has been suspended for the tenth consecutive day due to persistent adverse weather conditions. Continuous heavy rainfall has triggered flash floods and landslides along the pilgrimage route, posing serious risks to the safety of pilgrims.

Authorities have been working to restore the route, with teams from the Shrine Board, NDRF (National Disaster Response Force), SDRF (State Disaster Response Force), and local administration working to clear debris and stabilize vulnerable areas. Despite these efforts, the Yatra will remain on hold until the conditions improve and the route is declared safe. District officials have urged devotees to cooperate with the temporary suspension and avoid unnecessary travel to the base camp in Katra. The administration has assured that regular updates will be provided, and all necessary arrangements are being made for the early resumption of the pilgrimage.

The Katra base camp recorded the highest rainfall in the Jammu region, with over 200 mm of rain in the past 24 hours. The continuous rains have also led to increased water levels in rivers and streams, including the Banganga River, which passes through Katra.

A landslide occurred near the Vaishno Devi temple in Katra on Tuesday afternoon, claiming the lives of more than 30 pilgrims and injuring 20 others. The incident took place near the Inderprastha Bhojnalaya at Adhkuwari, about halfway along the 12-kilometer trek from Katra to the shrine. The yatra was initially suspended on August 26, hours before this major landslide struck the old route near Ardhkuwari.

The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has cancelled all bookings, including helicopter services and accommodations, and is offering a 100 percent refund until the yatra resumes. Devotees can email their details to refund@maavaishnodevi.net to receive the refund.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has ordered the formation of a high-level, three-member committee to investigate the causes of the landslide. The committee is tasked with examining the causes of the incident, identifying any lapses, assessing the rescue and relief measures undertaken, and suggesting appropriate SOPs and measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Despite the suspension of the pilgrimage, the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine remains open, with priests performing prayers and rituals daily. Some pilgrims who are in Katra are offering prayers at the 'Darshani Deodi' (main entrance of the route to the shrine). The four trains that were operating as shuttle services between Jammu and Katra have also been temporarily suspended due to the heavy rains and flooding. Train services from New Delhi to Katra have also been terminated temporarily.

Authorities in the Jammu Division of Jammu and Kashmir ordered the closure of all government and private schools on Wednesday, September 4, as a precautionary measure following heavy rainfall and weather alerts. Online classes may be conducted where feasible.