August 26th 2025.
In Srinagar, a series of natural disasters struck on Tuesday, causing chaos and destruction throughout the Jammu region. The heavy rainfalls caused rivers to overflow, sweeping away anything in their path, including boulders, trees, and rocks. As a result, at least 10 people lost their lives, including six pilgrims who were caught in a landslide while on their way to the Vaishno Devi shrine.
The relentless downpour not only wreaked havoc in Jammu, where flash floods and landslides occurred, but also in the Kashmir Valley. Bridges collapsed, mobile towers and electricity poles were destroyed, and infrastructure was severely damaged. This caused major disruptions, with telecom services being cut off for millions of people and transportation being suspended on multiple highways.
The route to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, which is located on top of the Trikuta hill, was particularly devastated. A landslide struck midway through the 12-kilometer trek from Katra town to the shrine, resulting in the deaths of six people and injuries to 14 others. Rescuers are still working to retrieve any people who may be trapped under the debris near the Inderprastha Bhojnalaya at Adhkwari.
The weather conditions were so severe that the pilgrimage to the shrine was suspended as a precautionary measure. Many people, including Kiran from Mohali, Punjab, were caught in the chaos and suffered injuries while trying to seek shelter.
The situation was dire, with many people injured and others searching for news of their loved ones who may have been affected by the disasters. The Army quickly mobilized three relief columns to assist in rescue and relief operations, but the true extent of the damage is yet to be determined.
This day of rain havoc comes just days after another natural disaster struck the Kishtwar district on August 14, killing 65 people and injuring over 100. The heavy rains also caused damage in other areas of the Jammu province, with at least four deaths reported in Doda district and hundreds of people being evacuated from low-lying areas.
The Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, declared the situation to be serious and ordered district administrators to be on high alert. He also instructed for additional funds to be allocated for emergency restoration work and for essentials such as food, water, and medicine to be provided to affected families.
The overflowing rivers and heavy rainfall have caused major disruptions in the region, with many roads and bridges being damaged. The Meteorological Department has predicted more rain and the possibility of cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides until August 27, and authorities have issued advisories for people to stay away from water bodies and landslide-prone areas.
In the midst of the chaos, efforts are being made to restore communication services and provide assistance to those in need. The government has also taken steps to ensure the safety of students by closing schools in the Jammu division until August 27. The recruitment campaign for constables in various security organizations has also been halted for the day.
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