Severe Flooding in Jammu Claims Lives and Displaces Thousands

Recent severe flooding in the Jammu region has resulted in the tragic loss of at least 13 lives, including nine pilgrims affected by a landslide on the Vaishno Devi route. The Jammu and Kashmir government has closed educational institutions and offices due to the heavy rains, with forecasts predicting continued downpours. Thousands have been evacuated from flood-prone areas, and rescue operations are ongoing. The infrastructure has suffered significant damage, raising concerns about public safety and the impact on local communities. Read on for more details about this unfolding disaster.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 27, 2025, 09:27 IST

Devastating Floods Hit Jammu Region

In the Jammu region, rivers have surged dramatically, wreaking havoc as fast-moving waters obliterate everything in their path. This calamity has resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 13 individuals, including nine pilgrims who were caught in a landslide along the Vaishno Devi route.

In response to the heavy rainfall, the Jammu and Kashmir government has ordered the closure of all educational institutions and offices, except for essential services and law enforcement departments.

The meteorological department has forecasted extremely heavy rainfall in the Jammu division over the next 40 hours, with the water levels of the Basantar, Tawi, and Chenab rivers currently at warning levels. Residents are strongly advised to stay away from riverbanks and flood-prone areas.

Pilgrimage to Vaishno Devi Suspended

The pilgrimage to the renowned shrine located in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir was halted after a landslide occurred around 3 PM, causing rocks and debris to cascade down the mountainside, leading to chaos among the visitors.

Due to persistent heavy rainfall for the fourth consecutive day, thousands of individuals have been evacuated from low-lying flood-affected areas to safer locations. Rescue operations are still underway near the Ardhkuwari area on the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage route, where a landslide claimed the lives of nine pilgrims and injured 21 others.

Widespread Damage and Ongoing Rescue Efforts

In the remote Margi area of Kishtwar district, sudden flooding swept away ten residential houses and a bridge, although there have been no immediate reports of casualties. Additionally, over 12 paramilitary personnel are stranded in the flood-hit Lakhanpur village in Kathua district, with efforts ongoing to rescue them.

The relentless rainfall over the past 24 hours has caused water levels in nearly all rivers, including the Tawi, Chenab, Ujh, Ravi, and Basantar, to rise significantly above danger levels. The Kashmir Valley also experienced heavy rainfall overnight, with the main Jhelum River surpassing the flood warning mark by 21 feet at Sangam in Anantnag district and nearing the warning level in Ram Munshi Bagh, Srinagar.

Infrastructure Damage and Evacuations

Thousands of residents from low-lying flood-prone areas, particularly those near rivers, have been relocated to safer zones. Authorities report that the sudden flooding and overflowing reservoirs have caused extensive damage to public infrastructure, including major bridges, homes, and commercial establishments across the union territory.