Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra suspended following heavy rainfall

In Jammu and Kashmir, the upward movement of pilgrims to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in Reasi district was temporarily suspended through the new track yesterday evening due to heavy rain which triggered flash floods in the region.

On the Old Track, the water level increased in the Banganga resulting in flash floods for some time prompting the authorities to advise Yatris to wait for some time till the Water level recedes. The Shrine Board has given priority to the yatris, currently in Bhawan area, coming down towards Sanjhichatt and then to Katra under the close watch of Shrine Board staff, police, and CRPF and the overall supervision of the Additional Chief Executive Officer who is stationed at the



Bhawan.

The base camp for pilgrims visiting the famous shrine was battered by torrential rain for many hours in the evening, leading the authorities to delay the yatra till 5 AM today as a precaution. Thousands of pilgrims were present at the shrine when it began to rain severely and persisted till midnight. To avoid panic, regular announcements are being made via the public address system.

The emergency response teams, CRPF, and medical units have been placed on high alert. The yatra is going on smoothly through the traditional track, whereas the new track continues to remain closed as a precautionary measure by authorities.