Rajouri Cloudburst Triggers Massive Destruction, Vaishno Devi Yatra Suspended

Jammu and Kashmir: Torrential rains from late Saturday night to Sunday morning caused huge devastation in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir. After continuous heavy rains between 1 am and 6 am, there were sudden floods in many areas. The swollen rivers and strong currents caused huge damage to houses, roads, vehicles and public properties. In view of the situation, the administration has intensified relief and rescue operations, while due to bad weather, Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra has also been temporarily stopped.

Did floodwater enter Bela Colony and bus stand?

According to officials, due to sudden rise in the water level of Rajouri River, its water entered Bela Colony, due to which the entire area was submerged. Many vehicles parked at the Bela bus stand were washed away in the strong current, while many other vehicles were submerged in water and damaged. Many families were trapped in their homes due to the floods and relief teams were deployed to take them to safe places.

Did Darhali River wreak havoc?

The flood in Darhali river also damaged the park, bus stand and surrounding areas in Bela area. Churung, Rajdhani and Behrot areas of Thanna Mandi sub-division were also hit by floods. The administration has received information that some laborers working in a crusher unit located in Behrot are trapped due to flood. Relief teams are engaged in their search and safe evacuation.

Graveyard washed away due to cloudburst?

Flash floods following the cloudburst incident completely washed away the local graveyard in Kotli Kalaban and Golinari areas of Manjakot tehsil. Many graves ended up in a nearby stream along with soil and debris, causing deep grief and concern among the local people. Apart from this, dozens of vehicles were destroyed and many buildings were also damaged.

Did IMD's warning prove correct?

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued an alert a day earlier, fearing heavy to extreme rainfall and flash floods in many parts of Jammu and Kashmir. After continuous rains, the situation worsened in many areas and the administration had to launch emergency relief operations.

Was the Vaishno Devi Yatra stopped?

In view of the continuous rains and danger of landslides, Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra has been temporarily postponed. Incidents of falling rocks, stones and debris have been reported at many places on the Battery Car Road, while minor landslides have also occurred on the Bhairav Valley Road.

Battery car, helicopter, horse, pitthu and palanquin services have been stopped for the time being. All the registration centers of Katra are also closed and about 15 thousand devotees are waiting for the Yatra to resume.

Were highways and tunnels also affected?

The effect of heavy rain was also seen on the national highway. There have been incidents of mud slips and stone falls at several places in the 'up-tube' of the tunnel between Jakhiyani and Chenani. NHAI teams are continuously busy removing debris. Due to the damaged 'down-tube', at present the traffic in both directions is being operated only through the 'up-tube'.

The administration has appealed to people to stay away from rivers, drains and landslide-prone areas. The Meteorological Department has advised remaining alert for the next few hours.