Officials temporarily suspend Vaishno Devi Yatra due to flash floods caused by heavy rains

Katra, 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 5am on Saturday as a precaution.

Jammu and Kashmir's  Vaishno Devi Yatra has been temporarily suspended on Friday evening due to heavy rain which triggered flash floods in the region.

"In the wake of heavy rainfall, upward movement of pilgrims to Vaishno Devi has been stopped from Katra. Priority given to pilgrims coming downwards," the shrine board informed.

"Priority is being accorded to yatris, currently in Bhawan area, coming down towards Sanjhichatt and then Katra under close watch of Shrine Board staff, police and CRPF officials and the overall supervision of Additional Chief Executive Officer Navneet, who is stationed at the Bhawan," the official said.

Meanwhile, Anshul Garg, the Chief Executive Officer of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board said there were no reports of any casualties or property damage, and the situation was under control.

Several videos shared on social media show flood-like situations on the Vaishno Devi track.

Katra, 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 5am on Saturday as a precaution.

Thousands of pilgrims were present at the shrine when it began to rain severely and persisted till midnight. The Himkoti (battery vehicle) track was then suspended as a result, the officials said.

To avoid panic, regular announcements are being made via the public address system. The officials also stated that emergency response teams, CRPF and medical units have been placed on high alert.