On the afternoon of August 26, 2025, a severe downpour triggered a landslide on the path leading to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine located in the Trikuta hills. This unfortunate event resulted in the deaths of at least nine individuals and left fourteen others injured. The sudden collapse of rocks and boulders around 3 p.m. caught many pilgrims and visitors by surprise, with fears that some may still be trapped beneath the rubble.

In light of the heavy rainfall, the Jammu and Kashmir government has mandated the closure of all educational institutions and offices, with the exception of essential services and law enforcement. Additionally, the pilgrimage to the shrine in Reasi district has been halted for safety precautions.

On Thursday morning, the Jammu and Kashmir traffic police released a travel advisory urging commuters to refrain from using NH-44 until weather conditions improve and the road is cleared.

The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) is currently closed to all vehicles due to landslides and falling rocks caused by continuous rain. A decision regarding the reopening of the Jammu-Pathankot highway will be made tomorrow after evaluating the road conditions. Travelers are advised to postpone their journeys until the weather stabilizes and the roads are safe. Updates on road status can be found on the Traffic Police's social media platforms.

Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag NH-244: This route is closed for vehicular traffic.

SSG ROAD: The Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumari road is also closed due to a landslide at Bajri Nallah.

Mughal Road: This road remains closed because of landslides and falling stones.

ADVISORY: Travelers should confirm road conditions with Traffic Control Units before embarking on their journeys. Contact numbers include:
• Jammu: 0191-2459048, 0191-2740550, 9419147732, 103
• Srinagar: 0194-2450022, 2485396, 18001807091, 103
• Ramban: 9419993745, 1800-180-7043
• Udhampur: 8491928625
• PCR Kishtwar: 9906154100
• PCR Kargil: 9541902330, 9541902331

Traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar and Kishtwar-Doda national highways has been suspended, with numerous hilly roads blocked or damaged due to landslides and flash floods. Officials have confirmed that the pilgrimage to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine has also been temporarily suspended as a precautionary measure in response to the ongoing rainfall.