Kashmir: Incessant rainfall for the third consecutive day has thrown life out of gear in Jammu and Kashmir, forcing the suspension of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage and blocking traffic along the Jammu–Srinagar national highway.

Officials said that the yatra to the revered Hindu shrine near Katra in Reasi district was halted on Tuesday after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for the Union Territory. Earlier, helicopter and battery car services to the shrine had been suspended, but the pilgrimage continued on foot until authorities called for a complete halt.

The Jammu–Srinagar highway, a 250-km lifeline to the Valley, was also closed due to landslides and shooting stones at Ramban’s Chanderkote, Kela Morh, and Battery Cheshma.

Water levels in almost all major rivers—including the Chenab, Tawi, Ravi, Ujh, and Taranah—and their tributaries are either close to or above danger marks, submerging low-lying areas across Jammu, Kathua, Doda, Rajouri, and Kishtwar. In Udhampur, the Tawi crossed its 20-foot danger mark, while downstream in Jammu city, it was reported to be flowing above the alert level.

Kathua recorded the highest rainfall in the past 24 hours with 155.6 mm, followed by Doda’s Bhaderwah (99.8 mm), Jammu (81.5 mm), and Katra (68.8 mm).

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described the situation in several districts as “serious” and directed officials to remain on high alert. He also instructed deputy commissioners to assess flood control measures and use additional funds for emergency restoration work.

The IMD has warned of continued heavy rainfall in Jammu, Reasi, Samba, Kathua, Udhampur, Ramban, Doda, and Kishtwar, urging people to avoid water bodies and landslide-prone areas.