The yatra to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi was temporarily suspended on Tuesday due to continuous heavy rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir. The India Meteorological Department has also issued a red alert for the Union Territory.
In another development, a landslide occurred at Vaishno Devi’s Ardhkuwari area on Tuesday, as per media reports.
Jammu-Srinagar National Highway Traffic Jam
Meanwhile, traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway remained disrupted for the third consecutive day due to incessant rains.
Traffic on the 250-km Jammu-Srinagar national highway was stopped as a precaution after rocks fell from the hills at Chanderkote, Kela Morh, and Battery Cheshma in Ramban district, as reported by HT.
Several rivers and streams in the region were flowing above or near danger levels, causing widespread flooding in low-lying areas and submerging roads across the city, as per HT report.
CM Abdullah Review Situation
Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah held a meeting in Jammu to review flood mitigation measures in light of the incessant rains. He directed officials to remain on high alert and take all necessary actions.
“Chief Minister held a meeting today in the morning to review flood mitigation measures at Jammu in view of incessant rains. He directed the officers to maintain high alert and take all necessary measures,” Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister’s Office said in a post on X.
Following the meeting, the Chief Minister acknowledged that the situation in many parts of Jammu province was quite serious. He confirmed that he would take the next available flight from Srinagar to Jammu to monitor the developing situation personally. Chief Minister Abdullah said that he has issued instructions to allocate additional funds to the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) for emergency restoration work and other urgent requirements.
“The situation is 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 mean time instructions have been issued to place additional funds at the disposal of the DCs to cover emergency restoration work and other exigences,” CM Abdullah said in a post on x.
Authorities Issue Advisory
Authorities have urged people to avoid water bodies and areas prone to landslides amid the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast of heavy rainfall in several districts, including Jammu, Reasi, Samba, Kathua, Udhampur, Ramban, Doda, and Kishtwar.
ALSO READ |Â LIVE Updates Jammu Weather: Heavy Rainfall Wreaks Havoc, Road Near Fourth Tawi Bridge Washed Away