As Jammu and Kashmir braces for heavy rain, the Amarnath and Mata Vaishno Devi yatras remained temporarily suspended on Sunday. Both pilgrimages were halted as a precautionary measure due to deteriorating weather conditions across the region.
"In view of the inclement weather advisory issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra shall remain temporarily suspended as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and well-being of pilgrims," the official said.
IMD has forecast moderate to widespread rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir till July 23.
Pilgrims are requested to remain updated through official communication channels for the latest information regarding the resumption of the Vaishno Devi Yatra, the spokesperson added.
Uttarakhand's major pilgrimages suspended
Landslides after heavy rain disrupted Uttarakhand's Kedarnath, Kailash-Mansarovar pilgrimages. Horse-mule services on the Kedarnath route were suspended.
IMD has warned of extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places.
A red alert has been issued for Nainital, Champawat, and Udham Singh Nagar for Sunday, warning of extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places.
Meanwhile, an orange alert has been issued for Dehradun, Tehri, Pauri, Haridwar, and Bageshwar, with forecasts predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and intense downpours. Elsewhere, a yellow alert is in place for Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Almora, and Pithoragarh.
For July 20, the IMD has placed Dehradun, Haridwar, and Tehri under a red alert, warning of extremely heavy rainfall in isolated areas. An orange alert has also been issued for Nainital, Uttarkashi, and Pauri.
On July 21, Dehradun and Bageshwar will remain under an orange alert, while Tehri, Rudraprayag, Uttarkashi, Nainital, Chamoli and Pithoragarh will be under a yellow alert.
The IMD has also issued a yellow alert for July 22 in Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Bageshwar and Pithoragarh, warning that thunderstorms, lightning and spells of heavy rainfall are likely to continue across most parts of Uttarakhand.
