Jammu rain alert: Schools shut, Vaishno Devi Yatra suspended till Oct 7 amid IMD warning

Heavy rains have caused widespread damage in several parts of the Jammu division.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Saturday announced the closure of all government and private schools in the Jammu division for two days, October 6 and 7, after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a heavy rainfall alert.

Meanwhile, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) has suspended the pilgrimage to the cave shrine in Reasi district from Sunday, October 5, due to fears of landslides and flash floods near the Trikuta hills. The Yatra is expected to resume on Wednesday, October 8, depending on weather conditions.

Closure of Schools in view of Weather Advisory.@OfficeOfLGJandK @OmarAbdullah @sakinaitoo @diprjk @Divcomjammu pic.twitter.com/WbYyNhBXhr

— School Education Department J&K (@SchoolEdujkut) October 5, 2025

“Yatra Update: In view of the inclement weather advisory issued by the IMD, Vaishno Devi Yatra shall remain suspended from October 5 to 7 and will resume on October 8. Devotees are advised to stay updated through official channels,” the shrine board posted on X.

⚠️ Yatra Update
In view of the inclement weather advisory issued by the Indian Meteorological Department, Vaishno Devi Yatra shall remain suspended from 5th to 7th October 2025 & will resume on 08/10/2025.
Devotees may stay updated through official channels.@OfficeOfLGJandK

— Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (@OfficialSMVDSB) October 3, 2025

The Yatra has faced several suspensions due to rain, flash floods, and landslides this year. It had only resumed on September 17 after a 22-day break following the tragic August 26 landslide near Ardhkuwari that killed 34 pilgrims and injured 20 others.

Rains damage roads, homes in Jammu

Heavy rains have caused widespread damage in several parts of the Jammu division. In Rajouri district, homes, farmlands, and roads were affected, with landslides blocking key routes and disrupting movement. In Udhampur’s Bant village, a vital bridge was washed away, isolating residents and making travel nearly impossible.

In Bhaderwah, a popular hill town known for its scenic beauty, tourism has taken a severe hit due to repeated natural disasters, including flash floods, cloudbursts, and even recent militant-related incidents. Local residents say the combination of calamities has crushed their main source of income.

“Our economy depends on visitors. The government should organise local festivals and take steps to bring back tourists,” a local resident was quoted by TOI as saying. The locals have also appealed to their MLA to raise the issue in the assembly and seek urgent measures to restore tourism and rebuild damaged infrastructure.