Jammu: At least 13 people have died in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district after heavy rainfall triggered landslides, flash floods and house collapses. Nine of these deaths occurred on the route to the Vaishno Devi shrine. Several others have been left injured.

A landslide struck the shrine path earlier today, injuring a number of pilgrims, including a five-year-old girl and a 15-year-old teenager. The pilgrimage has been suspended for now.

“A landslide incident has occurred near Inderprastha Bhojnalaya at Adhkwari, some injuries are feared. Rescue operations are underway along with required manpower and machinery,” the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board said in a post on X.

What other damages have been reported?

Officials confirmed that two people were killed when their house gave way, while two others died in flash floods. Reports also mention a cloudburst. In addition, several properties have been damaged by the landslides.

The district administration has advised residents to remain vigilant and keep away from riverbanks.

What is the status of roads and travel routes?

Traffic on NH-244, linking Doda and Kishtwar, has been brought to a standstill after parts of the road were washed away. Landslides and shooting stones have worsened the situation.

The Srinagar-Jammu national highway has also been closed following shooting stones in Ramban. Meanwhile, heavy snowfall at Zojila Pass has blocked the Srinagar-Leh highway, and the Sinthan Top pass between Kashmir Valley and Kishtwar has been shut down.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah acknowledged the seriousness of the situation in many parts of the Jammu region.

“The situation in many parts of Jammu province is quite serious. I'll be taking the next available flight from Srinagar to Jammu to personally monitor the developing situation. In the meantime, instructions have been issued to place additional funds at the disposal of the DCs to cover emergency restoration work and other exigencies,” he posted on X.

He also chaired a high-level meeting on flood preparedness and directed all departments to stay on alert.

Major rivers including the Tawi and Ravi are flowing above danger levels. In Kathua, the Ravi has spilled over at several points, submerging low-lying areas.

Helplines have been activated across the affected districts, with authorities on high alert. The weather office has predicted more heavy rain in Jammu.

Schools shut

All government and private schools in the Jammu division were directed to close till August 27. The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education also suspended all examinations for Classes 10 and 11 that were to be held on Wednesday.

(With agency inputs)