In a heartbreaking turn of events, the serene hills of Jammu and Kashmir turned deadly after days of relentless rainfall triggered catastrophic floods and landslides, leaving families shattered and communities cut off from the world.
Among the hardest hit were pilgrims on the revered Vaishno Devi yatra. What began as a spiritual journey ended in tragedy for nine devotees who lost their lives in a sudden landslide near Adhkuwari on the sacred 12-kilometre trek from Katra to the shrine. Over 20 others were injured. In moments, rocks and debris thundered down the mountainside, forever altering the lives of those caught in its path.
These floods have not only claimed lives—13 in total so far—but also crippled infrastructure, communication, and movement across the Union Territory. Bridges have collapsed. Roads have vanished. Power lines and mobile towers lie in ruins. Millions now find themselves cut off—without electricity, without the internet, and without a way to contact their loved ones.
Schools are shut, trains cancelled.
Educational institutions across the Jammu division have been closed until August 27, and examinations for Class 10 and 11 suspended. Meanwhile, 22 trains from Jammu and Katra have been cancelled, with another 27 partially terminated. Travel, education, and daily life have come to a grinding halt.
Army personnel have been deployed in full force, operating three major relief columns. Their efforts—alongside local authorities and volunteers—have already evacuated over 3,500 people from the worst-hit areas. Makeshift shelters, community kitchens, and emergency medical services have sprung up in Jammu, Muthi, and Satwari to support the displaced.
A Communication Blackout
Perhaps most frustrating for residents is the communication blackout. Omar Abdullah, former Chief Minister, described the crisis on social media: “There is a trickle of data flowing on Jio mobile but no fixed line WiFi, no browsing, almost no apps… Haven’t felt this disconnected since the terrible days of 2014 & 2019.”
Telecom networks across the region are down due to damaged optical fibres, making coordination for relief efforts even more difficult. The Meteorological Department warns of continued heavy rains, flash floods, and possible cloudbursts through August 27, urging citizens to stay away from water bodies and landslide-prone zones.
A Community in Mourning, A Region in Crisis
This tragedy is not just about numbers or damaged infrastructure. It’s about parents searching for their children in the rubble, communities trying to stay afloat—literally and emotionally—and volunteers risking their lives to feed, heal, and shelter the affected.
Let us not forget the pain behind the headlines. Let us not become numb to stories like that of the Vaishno Devi pilgrims. Behind every number is a name, a family, a dream shattered by forces beyond control.
What we need now is solidarity. Compassion. And urgent action.
