Heavy Rains Suspend Amarnath, Vaishno Devi Yatras in J&K

Amid heavy rainfall and cloudburst incidents at several places, authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have temporarily suspended the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra in Kashmir as well as the pilgrimages to the Mata Vaishno Devi and Shri Shiv Khori shrines in the Jammu region.

“Owing to the adverse weather forecast issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra has been temporarily suspended on both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes with effect from July 19, 2026, in the interest of the safety and well-being of all yatris,” Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar said in a post on X.

“No onwards movement of yatris will be permitted from the Baltal, Nunwan or Chandanwari base camps until further notice. The yatra will resume only after weather conditions improve and the routes are declared safe. Further updates will be shared through official channels. Yatris are requested to cooperate with the administration, follow official advisories, and await further instructions. Your safety is our priority,” he added.

Authorities also announced that, in view of the IMD’s forecast of heavy rainfall and the prevailing inclement weather in Ransoo, the pilgrimage to the Shri Shiv Khori shrine has been temporarily suspended.

“The Shrine Board is continuously monitoring the situation, and devotees are advised to check the latest updates before planning their travel,” an official spokesperson of the Jammu and Kashmir government said.

Heavy rain began early Sunday, with cloudbursts reported in forest areas of Kashmir. The Meteorological Department has forecast moderate to widespread rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir from July 19 to 23.

More than 3.76 lakh pilgrims have paid obeisance at the holy cave shrine since the annual yatra commenced on July 3.

The Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage in Reasi district was also temporarily suspended following the IMD’s weather advisory.

“In view of the inclement weather advisory issued by the IMD, the Vaishno Devi yatra shall remain temporarily suspended,” an official said.

He advised devotees to stay updated through official channels, adding that the authorities were closely monitoring the situation.

The Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board also urged devotees to postpone their visit until further notice, citing safety concerns.

Officials said a decision on resuming the pilgrimages would be taken after weather conditions improve and safety assessments are completed.

14 Rescued in Jammu and Rajouri

Meanwhile, 14 people were rescued from swollen rivers in Jammu and Rajouri districts on Sunday after heavy rain and flash floods left them stranded at multiple locations, officials said.

Three men were rescued from the Tawi River near the Peer Kho temple in Jammu after the river’s water level rose suddenly while they were bathing. Personnel from the police and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) carried out the rescue operation and brought all three to safety after several hours.

The rescued persons were identified as Randeep Singh and Munish Sharma, both residents of Jammu, and Vikas Kumar from Bihar. They were later handed over to their families.

The police have advised people to stay away from the banks of the Tawi River as the weather department has forecast more rainfall over the next four days, raising the possibility of a further rise in the river’s water level.

In Rajouri district, joint teams of the Army, police, SDRF and the civil administration rescued 11 people trapped by flash floods at two separate locations.

Nine people, including five children, were evacuated after being stranded across a flooded stream near Churung village in Thanamandi, while two youths were rescued from a river island in the Naushera Tawi near Dhangri.

Deputy Commissioner Rajouri Abhishek Sharma and Senior Superintendent of Police Gaurav Sikarwar supervised the rescue operations along with Army officers.