Jammu, August 26:
The Jammu region is reeling under one of its heaviest spells of rain in decades, leaving behind a trail of death, destruction, and chaos. Torrential rains over the past 48 hours have triggered landslides, flash floods, and overflowing rivers, causing massive disruption across multiple districts. The intensity of the rains across the region has not subsided till the time of filing this news report.
At least 10 people have been killed so far — including six pilgrims on the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine route in Reasi — while dozens more have been injured and several remain trapped under debris.
National highways, key bridges, and arterial roads have been battered, cutting off entire areas, while hundreds of people have been evacuated from flood-hit low-lying regions. With major rivers like the Tawi, Chenab, Basanter, Devak, Tarnah, Ujh, and Ravi flowing above danger levels, authorities have sounded high alerts across the Jammu division.
Mata Vaishno Devi Landslide Tragedy
A major landslide struck the Adhkwari stretch on the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage route on Tuesday afternoon, claiming six lives and injuring 14 others. The incident occurred near Inderprastha Bhojnalaya, halfway along the 12-km trek from Katra town to the shrine atop Trikuta hills.
Eyewitnesses described a terrifying scene as boulders, trees, and debris came crashing down without warning.
“We were coming down the hill after darshan when people started shouting. Stones and trees began falling rapidly. I barely escaped but got injured,” said Kiran, a pilgrim from Mohali, currently recovering at Narayana Hospital in Katra.
Authorities immediately suspended the pilgrimage on both the Himkoti and old trek routes. Rescue operations by the Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local police continue amid challenging conditions.
Three Army relief columns were deployed to Adhkwari, Thakra Kot, and Jaurian to assist with evacuations and provide emergency aid.
Road and Highway Disruptions
The rains have caused widespread disruption to road connectivity, affecting both local commuters and interstate movement.
Jammu-Pathankot National Highway:
Traffic has been completely suspended after a pillar of the Devak river bridge collapsed near Vijaypur in Samba district. Hundreds of trucks and passenger vehicles remain stranded. Water levels in the Basanter Khad, Iarnah Khad, Ujh river, and Sahar Khad are rising alarmingly.
Jammu-Srinagar National Highway:
The crucial lifeline connecting the Valley to the rest of the country remains blocked at multiple locations due to heavy landslides and shooting stones in Ramban and Udhampur districts.
Kishtwar-Doda Highway:
Heavy rains triggered flash floods and landslides, forcing authorities to suspend traffic.
Several inter-district roads are closed, including:
Bani-Basohli road (blocked at Sukha Nallah)
Basohli-Mabanru road (closed at Dhani)
Mahappur-Kathua road (cut off at Peddy Nallah)
Qiala Chak-Ramkote road (blocked near Kali Mata Mandir, Galak)
Additionally, the Bikram Chowk-Dogra Chowk bridge and the Fourth Tawi Bridge in Jammu city were closed after the Tawi river breached its banks. A section of the connecting road to the Fourth Bridge caved in, sending four parked vehicles into a gorge. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Rivers and Nallahs in Spate
Heavy, relentless rainfall has pushed almost every major water body in the region above the danger mark:
River/Nallah
District
Water Level
Status
Tawi River
Udhampur
36.1 ft
13 ft above evacuation mark
Tawi River
Jammu
34 ft
11 ft above danger mark
Basanter River
Samba
9 ft
Highest-ever level recorded
Devak River
Samba
Above 4.3 ft
Near evacuation threshold
Tarnah River
Kathua
4.6 ft
At danger level
Ujh Nallah
Kathua
Above limit
Overflowing at Panjtirthi
Ravi River
Kathua
Over 1 lakh cusecs
Modhopur barrage breached danger point
Flash floods have inundated residential colonies, farmlands, and roads across low-lying regions of Samba, Kathua, Reasi, Rajouri, Poonch, and Udhampur. Dozens of bridges, culverts, and embankments have been damaged, disrupting both transportation and relief efforts.
Casualties and Damage
Confirmed deaths: At least 10
6 killed in Vaishno Devi landslide
4 others killed in separate incidents across Doda district
Injuries: Over 30 reported, many critical
Houses damaged: More than 40 partially or fully destroyed in Jammu, Doda, Reasi, and Kathua
Bridges and roads damaged: Over 25 major link roads blocked; several key bridges either collapsed or structurally compromised
Rail services hit: Multiple trains to and from Jammu have been cancelled due to track flooding and landslides.
District-Wise Situation in Jammu Division
1. Jammu District
Recorded 250 mm of rainfall in just 20 hours.
Several colonies near the Tawi riverbanks submerged.
Major road closures reported inside the city.
2. Samba District
Devak and Basanter rivers dangerously overflowing.
Vijaypur bridge collapse has choked road connectivity.
Evacuation efforts underway in villages near riverbeds.
3. Kathua District
Breach of Modhopur barrage on Ravi river caused severe flooding.
Tarnah and Ujh nallahs have inundated farmlands and residential areas.
Over 1,200 people evacuated to relief camps.
4. Doda District
Four fatalities reported from rain-related accidents, including a house collapse.
Bhaderwah recorded 99.8 mm rainfall in 24 hours.
Hill roads heavily damaged by landslides.
5. Kishtwar District
Still recovering from the August 14 Chisoti cloudburst tragedy that killed 65 pilgrims.
Fresh rains have worsened road damage, hampering access to interior villages.
6. Reasi District
Epicenter of the Vaishno Devi landslide tragedy.
Flooded rivulets and falling debris continue to block approach roads.
7. Rajouri & Poonch Districts
Heavy landslides damaged several key roads.
Dozens of families evacuated from danger zones near swollen nallahs.
Weather Update: Kashmir Division
While the Jammu region bears the brunt, the Kashmir Valley is also facing heavy rainfall and flash flood risks. Srinagar, Anantnag, and Pulwama have reported swollen streams and waterlogging in multiple areas.
The Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for both Jammu and Kashmir divisions, warning of:
Moderate to heavy rain till August 27
Likely cloudbursts in hilly areas
Rising chances of landslides and shooting stones on mountain roads
Authorities have advised people to stay indoors, avoid riverbanks, and delay non-essential travel.
Government Response and Relief Measures
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired an emergency review meeting, terming the situation “serious” and deploying special teams for rescue, evacuation, and medical aid.
Key directives issued:
₹50 crore emergency fund released to Deputy Commissioners for immediate restoration work.
District administrations instructed to set up relief camps and ensure supplies of food, medicines, and drinking water.
Army, NDRF, SDRF, and police teams mobilized for rescue operations.
Helplines set up in Jammu, Kathua, Samba, Reasi, Doda, and Udhampur.
Communication Breakdown
The downpour has damaged optical fibre cables across several districts, leading to a communication blackout in many areas. Mobile networks and internet services remain patchy, affecting coordination between rescue teams and local authorities. Telecom operators have dispatched emergency crews to restore connectivity.
Outlook and Advisory
The IMD forecasts continued rainfall over the next 48 hours, especially in upper catchment areas of Jammu rivers, worsening the flood situation. Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable zones to move to safer areas, keep emergency supplies ready, and avoid venturing near water bodies.
With roads cut off, rivers swelling beyond historical highs, and essential services crippled, the disaster has plunged the Jammu region into one of its worst weather crises in recent years.
CM speaks to Home Minister on flood situation in Jammu
Jammu Tawi, Aug 26: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday spoke with Union Home Minister Amit Shah to brief him on the serious flood situation in the Jammu region, which has seen significant damage and disruption.
“Spoke to @AmitShah ji on the phone to brief him about the situation in J&K, especially Jammu province, where heavy and continuous rains have caused a lot of damage and disruption to normal life,” Abdullah posted on his X handle.
He also briefed Shah about the ongoing disruption in connectivity, saying that efforts are underway to restore phone and data services as quickly as possible.
Abdullah expressed regret that he and his colleagues were unable to travel to Jammu due to the closure of the Jammu airport.
“I hope to be able to get there on the first flight tomorrow,” he said, adding that he is “closely monitoring the situation and in touch with the teams on the ground in the division”.
In a separate post, Abdullah also conveyed his condolences to the families of the people killed in a landslide near the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine.
“Very sorry to hear about the deaths of the pilgrims on the Mata Vaishno Devi track,” he wrote. “I send my condolences to the families of the deceased. May the souls of the deceased rest in peace.” Torrential rains have wreaked havoc across the Jammu region, causing widespread flooding and landslides that have left at least 10 people dead, including six pilgrims on a Vaishno Devi route. Many more are feared trapped.
Relentless heavy rain not only pounded Jammu, which saw flashfloods, landslides and the pilgrimage to the Vaishno Devi shrine being suspended, but also Kashmir Valley.
Infrastructure was severely damaged with bridges collapsing and mobile towers and electricity poles virtually breaking like twigs. (Agencies)
LG grieved over loss of lives in Katra landslide
Jammu Tawi, August 26: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has expressed grief over the loss of lives due to landslide triggered by incessant rain at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, today. He also briefed the Hon’ble Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah Ji on rescue and relief operations.
The Lieutenant Governor extended his condolences to the bereaved families. He has directed the officials to provide immediate assistance to the affected families and best possible medical care to the injured.
The Lieutenant Governor is continuously monitoring the situation arising in various parts of Jammu Division due to heavy rain. He urged the people to stay safe, follow advisories and take all essential precautions.
In a post on X, the Lieutenant Governor said:
“Deeply distressed to know that an unfortunate landslide triggered by incessant rain claimed lives of devotees at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine. My condolences to the bereaved families and I pray that the injured recover quickly. Directed officials to provide immediate assistance.
Continuously monitoring the situation arising in various parts of Jammu Division due to heavy rain. Emergency responders and district authorities have been mobilized on war footing in all districts. Urging everyone to stay safe, follow advisories and take all essential precautions.”
