Heavy rainfall across the Jammu & Kashmir region has triggered a series of devastating landslides and flash floods, resulting in significant loss of life and widespread damage. A particularly tragic incident occurred on Tuesday along the route to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, where a landslide killed at least 15 pilgrims and injured several others.

The landslide struck near the Inderprastha Bhojnalaya at Adhkwari, an area approximately halfway along the 12-kilometer trek to the hilltop shrine. Rescue operations were immediately launched, with authorities deploying manpower and machinery to assist those affected. The pilgrimage to the shrine has been suspended in light of the incident.

In addition to the Vaishno Devi tragedy, a cloudburst in the Doda district claimed the lives of four people after triggering flash floods that damaged over 10 houses. The affected areas include Gandoh, Thathri, and Ramban, where landslides have further exacerbated the situation. Reports indicate that approximately 10 houses have been either partially or completely destroyed, and several roads have been washed away in the Doda region.

The recent incidents mark the third major weather-related tragedy to strike the Jammu region in less than two weeks. On August 13, a devastating cloudburst hit a remote village in the Kishtwar district, resulting in over 65 fatalities and leaving dozens missing. Just days later, on August 17, another cloudburst wreaked havoc in the Jod Ghati village of Kathua district, killing at least seven people, including four children, and injuring several others.

The Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings of further cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides in the high-altitude areas of the Jammu division, with alerts remaining in place until at least August 27. Authorities in several districts are on high alert, with evacuation plans prepared in case of further emergencies.

The relentless rainfall has caused water levels in several rivers and streams to rise to dangerous levels. The Tawi River in Udhampur has exceeded the 20-foot danger level, while the Chenab River is approaching its warning threshold. The overflowing Modhopur barrage in Kathua has crossed the one lakh cusec mark, leading to flooding in low-lying areas along the Ravi River.

The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway has been suspended due to landslides and shooting stones reported in Ramban district. Traffic has been halted at Udhampur in Jammu and Qazigund in Kashmir due to the heavy rainfall.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has expressed serious concern over the situation in many parts of the Jammu province and is personally monitoring the situation. The government has ordered the closure of all educational institutions and offices, except for essential services and law and order departments, due to the heavy rain. People are strongly advised to stay away from water bodies and landslide-prone areas.