Indian Army Launches Massive Rescue Operations as Floods and Landslides Batter Jammu Region, Vaishno Devi Pilgrimage Suspended
Image via The Hindu
Jammu, Aug 26 (TTP) – Torrential rains and landslides wreaked havoc across the Jammu region on Tuesday, killing at least seven people and injuring 14 after a massive landslip struck the route to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Reasi district. The incident forced the suspension of the pilgrimage to one of India’s holiest sites, as multiple people were feared trapped.
The Indian Army has launched extensive Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations, deploying rescue columns and helicopters across the flood-hit districts to save stranded civilians, students, and security personnel.
Landslip on Vaishno Devi Route Leaves Pilgrims Trapped
The landslip occurred around 3 p.m. near Inderprastha Bhojnalaya at Adhkwari, about halfway along the 12-km trek from Katra to the shrine. Stones, boulders, and debris came crashing down the mountainside, catching pilgrims unawares.
Rescue teams rushed to the spot, but the operations were complicated by continuing rainfall and unstable slopes. Officials confirmed that seven people lost their lives while 14 others were injured. Several others are believed to be trapped in the area.
The Shrine Board has suspended the pilgrimage until further notice, citing safety concerns.
Government Orders Closures, Sounds Red Alert
The Jammu and Kashmir government has ordered the closure of all educational institutions and government offices, except essential services and law enforcement departments.
The Meteorological Department has forecast very heavy rainfall over the next 40 hours. Water levels of the Basantar, Tawi, and Chenab Rivers are already at alert marks, prompting authorities to strongly advise people to stay away from riverbanks and flood-prone areas.
Traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar and Kishtwar-Doda national highways has been suspended, while dozens of interior roads remain blocked or damaged by flash floods and landslides.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described the situation as “quite serious” and announced that he would fly to Jammu immediately to personally monitor relief operations.
Indian Army Steps In: HADR Operations in Full Swing
The Indian Army has deployed multiple rescue columns and helicopters across affected areas, focusing on evacuating civilians, students, and security personnel.
Jammu Sector Operations
- Garhi Garh, RS Pura Sector: Seven civilians, including one child, rescued. Operation completed.
- Shergarh, RS Pura Sector: 10–12 civilians trapped in a building being rescued.
- Sher-e-Kashmir University, Jammu: Rescue teams working to evacuate stranded students.
- Swahanjana: Army rescuing students trapped in a government school.
Mamun Sector Operations
- Kachle Village: Seven civilians airlifted to Taragarh Government Senior Secondary School.
- Shahpur Kandi: Two individuals rescued by helicopter.
- Nikka BOP: Eleven BSF personnel evacuated safely.
- Post near Nikka BOP: 50 civilians and nine Army personnel stranded; evacuation underway.
- Zainpir Kukkar: Helicopter rescue operations in progress.
- Amli Village: Nine civilians rescued by air due to blocked access roads.
- Nad Village: Rising waters hampered ground rescue, but civilians evacuated using police boats.
- Makaura Village: Around 70 civilians rescued with boats after being stranded by floods.
Officials confirmed that more Army columns remain on standby as rainfall continues across the region.
Earlier Flood Damage Across Jammu
Before Tuesday’s landslip tragedy, three people had already been killed in Jammu due to heavy rain, which also damaged dozens of houses, washed away bridges, and left low-lying areas submerged. Nearly all water bodies in the region are currently flowing above the danger mark.
Residents in flood-prone districts have been moved to temporary shelters as rescue agencies brace for worsening conditions.
A Region on Edge
The suspension of the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage is a major blow for devotees, many of whom travel from across the country and abroad for the darshan. Local businesses dependent on the pilgrimage route are also expected to face significant losses.
Officials have urged patience and cooperation, stressing that saving lives remains the top priority. Relief camps, medical aid stations, and food distribution centers are being set up in affected districts.
Final Thoughts – TheTrendingPeople.com
The floods and landslides in Jammu highlight the growing vulnerability of Himalayan regions to extreme weather events. While the Indian Army’s swift HADR response has already saved hundreds of lives, the tragedy on the Vaishno Devi route is a grim reminder of the risks posed by fragile mountain terrain and climate-related challenges.
As rains continue, the immediate focus remains on rescue and evacuation. But in the longer run, experts stress the need for stronger disaster preparedness, climate-resilient infrastructure, and safer pilgrimage management systems to prevent such large-scale disruptions in the future.