HighLights
  1. Vaishno Devi Yatra temporarily suspended due to weather.
  2. Decision made for pilgrim safety after IMD warning.
  3. Amarnath Yatra also halted from July 19.

Vaishno Devi Yatra Suspended: After Amarnath, the Shri Mata Vaihno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) has temporarily suspended the Vaishno Devi Yatra following an inclement weather warning issued by the Indian Meteorological Department. As per the official update released by the Shrine Board, the decision has been taken as a precautionary step ensuring the safety and well-being of the pilgrims.

The authorities advised the devotees to remain patient and follow the information provided in the official notifications of the shrine. The authorities are continuously monitoring the situation, and the yatra will begin once conditions are considered safe.

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Amarnath Yatra Suspended

Earlier, authorities in Jammu and Kashmir also announced that the Shri Amarnath Yatra will remain temporarily suspended from July 19 due to the IMD's forecast of adverse weather.

Kashmir Divisional Commissioner Anshul Garg issued a statement, saying, "In view of the extreme weather forecast from the IMD, the Sri Amarnathji Yatra shall remain suspended from both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes, effective 19.07.2026. The Sri Amarnathji Yatra shall remain suspended from both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes with effect from 19.07.2026 as a precautionary measure, ensuring the safety and well-being of the pilgrims.

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Garg said no onward movement of pilgrims will be permitted from Baltal and Nunwan. Chandanwari base camps from Sunday. "Updates regarding the resumption of Yatra shall be issued in due course of time after ensuring route safety and comprehensive assessment of the weather conditions," Garg said.

As per officials, more than 3.76 lakh pilgrims have offered prayers at the Amarnath cave shrine during the ongoing yatra. 

Flashfloods In Rajouri

Flash floods triggered by incessant overnight rain inundated parts of Rajouri town in Jammu and Kashmir early on Sunday, forcing hundreds of residents to evacuate as overflowing rivers submerged low-lying areas, including the new bus stand, officials said. A local resident said, "A lot of damage has been done. Almost 200 to 250 vehicles are missing... there's no trace left of the bus stand at all. We request the administration to help the people."

Another local resident claimed, "At least 300-400 vehicles were parked here before the flood struck, and all of them were washed away overnight... We earnestly request the administration to send JCBs or cranes to retrieve at least the vehicles that are here. We sincerely urge the administration to assist people during this time of distress. The flood situation remains critical; the rain has not stopped.

The flooding came amid a weather advisory forecasting moderate to heavy rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir till July 23. Rajouri district witnessed continuous rainfall from Saturday evening, followed by intense overnight showers that caused rivers and streams to overflow.



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