Floods and landslides in Jammu Kashmir: Death toll rises to 30, several people injured

SRINAGAR: A cloudburst-triggered flash flood in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district and a landslide on the Mata Vaishno Devi temple route claimed at least 30 lives and left several others injured. Senior Police Superintendent Paramveer Singh said the death toll has risen beyond 30. Rescue operations are underway with the help of NDRF teams.

In Himachal Pradesh, traffic was disrupted on many roads, including national highways, due to heavy rains and landslides. A landslide occurred on the trekking path to the Vaishno Devi temple in Reasi at around 3 pm on Tuesday. Several people went missing. The army is continuing rescue operations in the area. The pilgrimage to the Vaishno Devi temple has been temporarily suspended due to the disaster.

As the Tawi and Ravi rivers have overflowed, a flood warning has been issued in Jammu. The 250-km Jammu–Srinagar National Highway has been closed due to landslides. Roads like Ramnagar–Udhampur and Jangalwar–Thathri have also been blocked because of flash floods and landslides. The Sinthan Top Pass, which connects the Kashmir Valley with Kishtwar, has been closed. The Srinagar–Leh highway has also been shut down due to heavy snowfall.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh said the situation is being closely monitored and the army is carrying out rescue efforts. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah urged people to remain cautious.

In Himachal Pradesh, extremely heavy rain has created near-flood conditions. Landslides have blocked many roads, including the Manali–Leh and Kullu–Manali highways. Several buildings have collapsed. In Manali, the Beas River overflowed and swept away a four-story hotel. Many areas in Kullu and Manali have been cut off due to flooding, leaving many people stranded.