Monsoon Fury in Jammu: Vaishno Devi Pilgrims Among 9 Dead as Rains, Landslides and Floods Wreak Havoc

August 26, 2025 – Jammu and Kashmir

Heavy monsoon rains have created havoc across Jammu and Kashmir. Life in the region has come to a standstill. On Tuesday, August 26, at least nine people died. Among them were five Vaishno Devi pilgrims who were struck by a landslide on the holy route. Torrential rain, cloudbursts, and flash floods have left behind scenes of destruction.

Pilgrims Caught in Tragedy on Vaishno Devi Route

The biggest tragedy of the day happened on the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage route. Near Adh Kunwari in Reasi district, a massive landslide took place in the afternoon. Huge boulders and mud rolled down the hill. Pilgrims who were on their way to the shrine were caught by surprise.

At least five pilgrims lost their lives instantly. Fourteen others were injured. Panic spread among the devotees. Many abandoned their journey and returned to the base.

The yatra was suspended immediately. Security forces, police, and rescue teams rushed to the area. Injured pilgrims were shifted to nearby hospitals. Officials said quick response helped save many more lives, but the fear and trauma among survivors remain deep.

Rain Chaos Across Jammu Region

The downpour began late Monday night and continued through Tuesday. In many areas of Jammu district, heavy waterlogging and flash floods brought daily life to a halt.

• Roads were washed away.
• Vehicles were stranded.
• Several houses collapsed.
• Bridges gave way under pressure of flood waters.

In Jammu city, people were seen wading through waist-deep water. Traffic was blocked for hours. Schools and offices remained shut.

Three deaths were reported in rain-related accidents within the city. Residents said it was one of the heaviest spells of rain in recent years.

Cloudburst in Doda and Loss of Lives

In Doda district, a cloudburst in Bhalesa area triggered sudden flash floods. Three people died, and many homes were damaged. Families rushed to higher ground as the water entered their houses.

The Mughal Maidan bridge in Kishtwar collapsed due to the force of water. This cut off access for thousands of people. Villagers were left without transport, food supply, and electricity.

Authorities confirmed the names of some victims in Doda: Asiya Ban, Noor Muhammad, Rahila Bano, and Rubina Begum. At least 18 houses were partially or fully damaged. Officials clarified it was not a traditional cloudburst, but extremely heavy rainfall that caused flash floods.

Railway Services Suspended

The heavy rainfall also affected train services. Northern Railway canceled 18 trains linked to Jammu, Udhampur, and Katra. Several other trains were short-terminated. Thousands of passengers were stranded at railway stations.

Tourists and pilgrims planning to visit Vaishno Devi and Amarnath shrines were forced to change their plans. Officials said services will resume only after safety inspections.

Rescue and Relief Efforts

The Jammu and Kashmir administration launched urgent rescue and relief operations.

• The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were deployed.
• The Army joined efforts in Reasi and Doda, helping clear debris and evacuate stranded people.
• Relief camps were set up in schools and community centers.
• Food packets, drinking water, and medical aid were provided to victims.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called the situation “extremely concerning.” He directed all district authorities to remain on high alert. Control rooms have been set up to coordinate information and assistance.

Human Stories of Pain and Survival

The tragedy has left behind heartbreaking personal stories.

• A group of pilgrims from Uttar Pradesh said they were only minutes away from the landslide site when disaster struck. “We heard a loud rumble. Dust filled the air. We ran back in fear,” one survivor said.
• In Doda, a family of five lost their home as the flash flood swept through their village. “We only managed to save our children. Everything else is gone,” said Noor Ahmad, a local resident.
• In Jammu, many people abandoned vehicles in the middle of the road and walked through chest-deep water to reach safety.

The psychological scars will take long to heal. Survivors say they will never forget the sound of rocks tumbling down or the sight of gushing water breaking homes apart.

Why Jammu Remains Vulnerable

Experts have often warned that Jammu and Kashmir is highly vulnerable to monsoon disasters. The geography of the region makes it prone to:

1. Landslides – steep hills and weak soil often give way during heavy rain.
2. Flash floods – rivers like Tawi, Chenab, and their tributaries rise quickly.
3. Cloudbursts – sudden extreme rainfall is common in mountain areas.
4. Blocked roads – landslides cut off districts, making rescue hard.
5. Pilgrim routes – millions visit shrines like Vaishno Devi and Amarnath every year, exposing them to natural risks.

The latest disaster shows again how urgent safety measures are. Early warning systems, better infrastructure, and disaster-ready shelters are needed.

Government’s Response and Warnings

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for parts of Jammu and Kashmir. More heavy rainfall is expected in the next 48 hours.

Authorities urged people not to travel in landslide-prone or low-lying areas. Schools in flood-hit districts will remain closed until further notice.

Police have asked pilgrims and tourists to follow official advisories. “Safety comes first. Do not risk your life by ignoring warnings,” said a senior police officer in Jammu.

Economic Impact of the Disaster

The heavy rains have not only caused deaths but also led to economic loss.

• Agriculture: Paddy and maize fields in Jammu plains have been destroyed by floods. Farmers said their entire season’s work is lost.
• Business: Shops remained closed due to waterlogging. Losses are estimated in crores.
• Transport: Road and railway disruption has hit trade between Jammu and other parts of India.
• Tourism: Thousands of pilgrims and visitors have canceled trips. Hotels in Katra and Jammu reported mass cancellations.

Experts warn that recovery will take weeks. Prices of vegetables and daily essentials may rise due to transport delays.