Heavy rainfall in parts of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday prompted authorities to temporarily suspend the Amarnath and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi yatras, while Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the administration’s immediate focus was on protecting lives in the affected areas.
In a post on X on Sunday, CM Abdullah said he had been monitoring the situation since early morning, particularly in Rajouri town and surrounding areas, which were hit by heavy rain.
“Since first light this morning, I’ve been closely monitoring the situation arising from the extremely heavy rain in parts of Jammu, especially Rajouri town & surrounding areas. I’ve been in touch with the local MLAs of the region. While the situation continues to unfold, the priority of the administration is to safeguard precious lives. The government will do everything possible to aid & assist affected people who have suffered property loss/damage due to the rains & flash floods," he said.
Cloudburst-like rainfall triggered flash floods across Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district, leaving one woman missing and causing widespread damage to homes, vehicles and commercial establishments.
Heavy rain that began on Saturday night inundated residential neighbourhoods and low-lying areas, damaging several structures. Rescue teams have been deployed as search and relief operations continue in the affected areas.
Meanwhile, the annual Amarnath Yatra was suspended from July 19 as a precaution following the India Meteorological Department’s forecast of adverse weather conditions. The pilgrimage has been halted from both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes to ensure the safety of devotees travelling to the holy cave shrine.
Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Anshul Garg said no onward movement of pilgrims would be allowed from the Baltal and Nunwan/Chandanwari base camps from July 19. The suspension applies to all pilgrims currently stationed at these camps.
The decision was taken after forecasts indicated unfavourable weather conditions over the coming days, prompting authorities to reassess the safety of the yatra routes.
“Updates regarding the resumption of the Yatra shall be issued in due course after ensuring route safety and a detailed assessment of the weather conditions," Garg said.
According to official figures, more than 3.7 lakh devotees have offered prayers at the Amarnath cave shrine during the ongoing pilgrimage.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra has also been temporarily suspended in view of the same weather advisory. Authorities said the decision was taken in the interest of public safety, citing forecasts of unfavourable weather conditions in the region.
Pilgrims have been advised to postpone their travel plans and rely on official updates regarding the resumption of both yatras, which will be announced after weather conditions improve and safety assessments are completed.
