Jammu & Kashmir Faces Worst Rainfall in Decades: Pilgrimage Halted, Lives Lost

Jammu and Kashmir has been struck by one of the most devastating monsoon spells in recent memory. Relentless downpours, landslides, and overflowing rivers have left a trail of destruction, claiming dozens of lives and forcing thousands to flee their homes. For many, the disaster recalls the worst floods of 2014, underscoring the Himalayan region’s fragile relationship with extreme weather.

People stand near a partially damaged bridge as the Jhelum river flows in spate due to heavy rainfall. (PTI) | News18

Record Rainfall Breaks Decades-Old Highs

The ferocity of this monsoon is evident in the numbers. Udhampur recorded an astonishing 629 millimetres of rain in just 24 hours, shattering its all-time record. Jammu city itself registered 296 millimetres of rainfall, the heaviest single-day downpour since 1973. In Kashmir’s Pahalgam, the Sheshnag Nallah swelled beyond its historic limits, sparking fears of fresh floods. The Jhelum, Tawi, Chenab, Ravi, Basantar, and Ujh rivers surged past danger marks, inundating villages and farmland.

Pilgrimage to Vaishno Devi Turns Into Tragedy

Amid this deluge, tragedy struck the sacred route to the Vaishno Devi shrine. A massive landslide near Adhkunwari crushed pilgrims as they made their way to the temple, killing at least 34 people. The incident brought the death toll across the Union Territory to more than 40, with additional casualties reported from flash floods and landslides in Doda and Kathua districts. Authorities immediately suspended the yatra, but questions remain as to why the pilgrimage was not halted earlier despite repeated weather warnings. Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah publicly criticised the Shrine Board and the administration for ignoring the forecasts, calling the disaster a preventable tragedy.

Collapse of Infrastructure and Communication

Beyond the human toll, the monsoon rains have crippled life across Jammu and Kashmir. Highways have been washed away, including crucial stretches connecting Jammu to Srinagar. Bridges, including parts of the Tawi bridge, were swept away by raging currents. Entire neighbourhoods have been submerged, while electricity and telecommunications remain disrupted in multiple districts. Schools and universities have been forced to close, and rail and air services face widespread cancellations. The floods have not only paralysed transport but also severed communication lines at a time when they are most needed for rescue coordination.

Relief Operations and Government Response

Rescue teams from the National Disaster Response Force, the State Disaster Response Force, and the Indian Army have been deployed across affected districts. More than 10,000 people have been evacuated from flood-prone areas, though thousands remain stranded. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha visited hospitals to meet the injured and assured people of continued relief. Ex-gratia payments of ₹9 lakh have been announced for the families of the deceased, while the injured are being given financial and medical aid. Yet, the criticism from political leaders highlights a gap between early warnings and actual preparedness on the ground.

A Pattern of Repeated Shocks

This disaster marks the third major weather-related tragedy in Jammu and Kashmir in just two weeks. Earlier, a devastating cloudburst in Kishtwar killed more than 60 people and left hundreds missing. Another cloudburst in Kathua added to the toll. These recurring shocks raise uncomfortable questions about climate change, local planning failures, and the vulnerability of Himalayan states to extreme rainfall events. The government’s call for “climate resilience” seems more urgent than ever.

Cross-Border Impact in Pakistan

The consequences of the rains are not confined to India. In neighbouring Pakistan, over 150,000 people have been displaced in Punjab province as rivers overflowed following water releases from Indian dams. Authorities there issued evacuation orders and even breached embankments to reduce pressure on river systems. Historic gurdwaras, including Kartarpur Sahib, were threatened by floodwaters, highlighting the shared risks both nations face from Himalayan weather systems.

Conclusion: A Warning from the Mountains

The catastrophic floods of 2025 have once again revealed how vulnerable Jammu and Kashmir remains to climate extremes. While nature’s fury cannot be controlled, its impact can be mitigated through stronger infrastructure, better disaster planning, and stricter adherence to weather advisories. As voices grow louder questioning why pilgrims were allowed to continue their journey despite looming threats, this tragedy should serve as a wake-up call. The Himalayas have delivered their warning — the question is whether authorities and society will heed it before another calamity strikes.

(Sources: News18, Moneycontrol, Times of India)