Srinagar, 22 July: Amarnath Yatra (pilgrimage) remained suspended for the fourth straight day, on Wednesday, as the authorities also suspended Vaishno Devi and Machail Mata pilgrimages in Jammu and Kashmir due to worsening weather conditions since 20 July.
Amarnath pilgrims have been stationed in base camps and not allowed to proceed toward the cave either using the Baltal or Pahalgam route.
Incessant rains triggered flash floods, landslides and mudslides at various places on the Srinagar-Jammu highway, especially the strategic stretch between Banihal and Udhampur.
Additionally, the Poonch-Srinagar highways is also suspended. Traffic authorities have issued advisories not to undertake journey via two highways till the weather shows improvement.
Meanwhile, due to the inclement weather forecast issued by the J&K Meteorological Department, the administration has decided that “the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra shall remain suspended till further orders. Accordingly, no vehicle carrying pilgrims shall be allowed to proceed from Jammu, Udhampur or Ramban towards Srinagar.”
The overall death toll across Jammu and Kashmir due to flash floods and cloudbursts has risen to 23 while the search for seven more individuals continues in the Poonch and Rajouri regions of Pir Panchal Range.
Massive damage is reported from Poonch, Rajouri, Reasi, and Central Kashmir’s Budgam district. Loss of public infrastructure and private property is also reported.
