Heavy rains across North India have triggered devastating landslides, resulting in significant loss of life and widespread disruption. At least 30 people have been killed in a massive landslide near the Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir. The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon amidst relentless heavy rainfall.

The landslide struck on the route to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, atop the Trikuta hill. Initial reports indicated that at least five people were killed and 14 injured. However, the death toll has since risen, with many feared trapped under the debris. Rescue operations are currently underway near the Inderprastha Bhojnalaya at Adhkwari, approximately halfway along the 12-km trek from Katra to the shrine.

In response to the tragedy, authorities have suspended the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage, halting movement on both the old and Himkoti trek routes. Eighteen trains to and from Katra, Udhampur, and Jammu railway stations have been cancelled due to the severe weather conditions. Several trains have also been subjected to short terminations.

The Jammu and Kashmir government has ordered the closure of all educational institutions and offices, except for essential services and law and order departments, in response to the heavy rain. The Meteorological Department has forecast continued heavy rainfall in the Jammu division over the next 40 hours, with the water levels of the Basantar, Tawi, and Chenab Rivers currently at the alert mark.

The heavy rains have caused widespread damage across the Jammu region, with reports of flash floods, damaged bridges, disrupted road connectivity, and inundated land. Several houses and bridges have been damaged, and almost all water bodies are flowing above the danger mark, submerging low-lying areas and roads.

The situation is dire across North India, with Himachal Pradesh also reeling under the devastation caused by multiple landslides and flash floods. Shops have been washed away, buildings have collapsed, and highways have been cut off. As of Tuesday, 680 roads were closed in the state, with Mandi and Kullu districts being the most affected. Twelve flash floods, two major landslides and one cloudburst have been reported in Himachal Pradesh in the past 24 hours.

The Beas river's water level has risen further after 20,000 cusec of water was released from the Largi Dam. The gushing waters washed away a 200-metre stretch of the Manali-Leh highway, closing the route and leaving tourists stranded. The national highway connecting Chandigarh and Manali has also been damaged at several places in Himachal Pradesh.

In Delhi, the rains have caused heavy traffic congestion and waterlogging, disrupting normal life. August has emerged as the wettest month of the year so far in Delhi, with rainfall around 60 per cent above normal.