Srinagar: Relentless rainfall continued to wreak havoc across Jammu and Kashmir for a second straight day, pushing the death toll to 24 as landslides, flash floods and house collapses devastated several districts. Authorities have suspended major religious pilgrimages and intensified rescue operations amid forecasts of more heavy rain over the next two days.
Among the latest casualties, seven members of a family lost their lives in Poonch district after a hillside gave way, burying their temporary shelter under debris. The incident occurred in the Loran area of Surankote, one of the worst-affected regions since the spell of intense rainfall began.
In a separate tragedy in Doda district, two passengers were killed when a massive boulder crashed onto a bus travelling along the Bhaderwah–Jammu route. Another woman reportedly died after her house collapsed in the district.
Officials said Poonch and Rajouri have together recorded the highest number of fatalities, while six people remain missing, with search teams continuing efforts to locate them despite challenging weather conditions.
Pilgrimages Temporarily Halted
As a precaution, authorities have suspended the Amarnath Yatra, Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage, Shiv Khori Yatra, and the Sarthal pilgrimage. However, reports indicated that a limited number of pilgrims were later permitted to move through the Baltal route under close supervision.
Thousands of devotees remain stranded at various transit points, including Katra, Jammu, Lakhanpur and several locations across Kashmir, awaiting further instructions from the administration.
At the Vaishno Devi shrine route, incidents of falling rocks and minor landslides were reported on sections of the traditional track, the battery car corridor and the Bhairav route. Shrine Board officials said no casualties had been reported in connection with these incidents and restoration work was underway.
Rescue Operations Intensified
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced an ex-gratia compensation of ₹6 lakh for the families of those who lost their lives in the rain-related incidents in Poonch and Rajouri.
The administration has cancelled leave for government employees in the affected districts to strengthen disaster response efforts. Rescue teams, police personnel and disaster management units have been deployed across vulnerable areas, while helicopters have also been used to retrieve bodies and assist stranded residents.
Heavy rainfall has caused rivers including the Tawi and Chenab to swell dangerously, while overflowing streams have flooded low-lying localities. Several villages remain cut off after roads were damaged by landslides and waterlogging.
Fresh Weather Warning Issued
The India Meteorological Department has warned that adverse weather conditions are likely to continue until July 23, with the possibility of further heavy rainfall, flash floods and landslides across hilly regions.
Authorities have urged residents and tourists to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly on mountain roads, and advised pilgrims to follow official updates before resuming their journeys.
With rescue efforts continuing and rain expected to persist, officials remain on high alert as Jammu and Kashmir battles one of the season’s most severe weather emergencies.
