23 Dead, 7 Missing as Heavy Rains Batter Jammu, Major Yatras Remain Suspended

Heavy rains continued to lash large parts of the Jammu region on Tuesday, severely disrupting normal life as authorities remained on high alert amid the threat of flash floods, landslides and further weather-related damage.

At least 23 people have died and seven others remain missing in rain-related incidents across Poonch, Rajouri and Doda districts since Sunday. Rescue teams continued search operations in the worst-affected areas, where cloudbursts, flash floods and landslides have caused extensive damage over the past three days.

The relentless rainfall has also brought major pilgrimage activities in the Union Territory to a halt. The Amarnath Yatra, Vaishno Devi Yatra, Shiv Khori Yatra and Machail Mata Yatra remained suspended for the third consecutive day due to persistent downpours, unsafe routes and the heightened risk of flash floods and landslides.

The suspension has disrupted the travel plans of thousands of pilgrims, who have been advised to remain at designated shelters until weather conditions improve and routes are inspected and declared safe.

According to the Meteorological Department, Katra, the base camp for the Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage, recorded the highest rainfall of 107.1 mm in the 24 hours ending at 8.30 am on Tuesday. Poonch received 61.5 mm, Reasi 54.5 mm, Rajouri 49 mm and Jammu 35 mm during the same period.

Several roads and link roads have been affected by landslides and shooting stones, while waterlogging has disrupted traffic in both urban and rural areas. Restoration and debris-clearing operations are underway, but fresh rainfall continues to hamper efforts to reopen affected routes.

Authorities have urged people to exercise extreme caution, avoid unnecessary travel and stay away from rivers, nallahs, water bodies and landslide-prone areas. Moderate to heavy rainfall is forecast until July 23.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has chaired high-level review meetings to assess the flood situation, restoration work and relief measures. He directed officials to prioritise public safety, ensure speedy restoration of essential services and provide timely relief to affected families as the Union Territory remains vulnerable to further weather-related challenges.