A catastrophic landslide struck the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine route in Reasi district on Tuesday, claiming 30 livesand injuring 14 pilgrims. The tragedy unfolded as severe weather conditions triggered widespread flooding across <a title="Flood" href="https://www.benefitnews24.com/india/manali-floods-beas-river-swells-buildings-washed/18402" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jammu and Kashmir</a>.
Rescue operations are underway near Adhkwari, with the Vaishno Devi Yatra suspended indefinitely. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha have ordered immediate relief measures whilst expressing condolences to bereaved families.
The disaster coincides with unprecedented <a title="Mandi Himachal Pradesh" href="https://www.benefitnews24.com/environment/flash-floods-landslides-hit-mandi-in-hp/17973" target="_blank" rel="noopener">flooding</a> as all major rivers in the Jammu division and the Jhelum River in Kashmir flow above flood levels. The River Tawi at Udhampur reached 36.1 feet - 13 feet above evacuation level and four feet higher than the devastating 2014 floods.
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Twin cloudbursts in Warwan Valley's Margi area triggered flash floods, destroying 10 houses, over 300 kanals of crops, livestock, and critical infrastructure. Approximately 60 houses were flooded, forcing families into temporary tarpaulin shelters on hillocks.
Communication networks have collapsed across the region. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described the situation as reminiscent of the "terrible days of 2014 &amp; 2019," with mobile services severely disrupted and BSNL fibre networks down. Telecom operators cite "multiple fibre cuts" affecting Jammu, Srinagar, and Shimla.
Major highways closed include the Srinagar-Jammu national highway, Srinagar-Leh route, and Jammu-Pathankot corridor due to landslides and fresh snowfall. Educational institutions and government offices across six districts remain shut.
The remote Warwan valley, home to 40,000 residents across 50 villages, remains completely cut off from Kishtwar district headquarters. Local authorities are urgently coordinating relief operations as water has inundated low-lying areas of Jammu city, including the railway station car park.
Weather warnings remain in effect as authorities monitor rising water levels and coordinate rescue efforts for stranded communities.
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IANS

Flash floods devastate Kashmir as rivers exceed danger levels across region

Deadly Landslide Kills 30 at Vaishno Devi Shrine

Flash floods devastate Kashmir as rivers exceed danger levels across region

August 27, 2025 | 08:50 IST