Jammu, August 27 – Continuous monsoon rains have caused widespread devastation in Jammu and Kashmir, with at least 36 people losing their lives in rain-related incidents since Sunday night. Among the casualties, 32 pilgrims were killed after multiple landslides struck the Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra route in Katra, while four more deaths were reported from Doda district.

Officials said the landslides occurred following heavy rainfall that triggered rockfalls and mudslides along the pilgrimage track. Rescue operations are being carried out by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and the Army, with efforts focused on clearing debris and searching for missing persons. Helicopters have also been deployed to assist in evacuation and relief.

In Doda, four people were killed when a house collapsed under the impact of incessant rainfall. Several areas of the district remain cut off due to damaged roads and washed-out bridges. Authorities have confirmed that communication lines and mobile connectivity are erratic in many parts of the Jammu region.

The Meteorological Department has issued an alert, warning of continued heavy rain in the region over the next 48 hours. Officials have urged residents, particularly those in landslide-prone zones, to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary travel.

This marks one of the deadliest weather-related incidents in the region in recent years, raising concerns about the safety of thousands of pilgrims visiting Vaishno Devi during the monsoon season.