Jammu floods: Death toll rises to 11 as Amarnath, Vaishno Devi yatras remain suspended

Heavy rainfall and cloudburst-like conditions triggered flash floods and landslides across parts of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, killing at least 11 people and leaving several others missing in the border districts of Rajouri and Poonch.

The worsening weather also forced authorities to suspend both the Amarnath and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi yatras as a precaution.

Rescue teams have been deployed in the affected areas, while Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the administration's immediate priority is to protect lives.

The worst-hit areas include Rajouri town and nearby localities, where heavy rain that began on Saturday night inundated residential neighbourhoods and low-lying areas. The flooding damaged homes, vehicles and commercial establishments, disrupting normal life across the district.

More from India

In a post on X on Sunday, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said he had been monitoring the situation since early morning and was in constant touch with local representatives.

He assured people that the government would provide all possible assistance to those affected by the rains and flash floods.

Rescue operations underway in Rajouri

According to officials, one woman has gone missing after the flash floods swept through parts of Rajouri district. Search operations are underway, with rescue teams working to trace the missing woman and assist residents stranded in flood-hit areas.

The heavy rainfall caused water to enter residential colonies and damaged several buildings and vehicles. Authorities are continuing relief operations while assessing the full extent of the damage caused by the flooding.

Omar Abdullah said the administration's immediate focus was on safeguarding lives as the situation continued to evolve.

"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 and 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 and assist affected people who have suffered property loss and damage due to the rains and flash floods," he said.

Amarnath Yatra put on hold

The annual Amarnath Yatra has been suspended from July 19 following an adverse weather forecast issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Authorities have halted the pilgrimage from both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes to ensure the safety of devotees travelling to the holy cave shrine.

According to a News18 report, Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir Anshul Garg said no pilgrim would be allowed to proceed from the Baltal and Nunwan/Chandanwari base camps until further notice. The suspension applies to all pilgrims currently staying at these camps.

Officials said the decision was taken after weather forecasts indicated unfavourable conditions over the coming days, making the pilgrimage routes potentially unsafe.

"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.

Despite the temporary suspension, the pilgrimage has witnessed a strong turnout this year, with more than 3.7 lakh devotees having offered prayers at the Amarnath cave shrine so far.

Vaishno Devi pilgrimage also suspended

Authorities have also temporarily suspended the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra in view of the same weather advisory.

Officials said the move was taken purely as a precaution to ensure the safety of pilgrims, as heavy rainfall and adverse weather conditions continue to affect parts of Jammu and Kashmir.

Pilgrims have been advised to postpone their travel plans and rely only on official announcements regarding the resumption of both yatras. Authorities said the pilgrimages would resume only after weather conditions improve and detailed safety assessments of the routes are completed.