Sun Aug 31 03:27:25 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**Extreme Weather Claims Over 100 Lives in Jammu and Kashmir**

**Jammu and Kashmir, India – August 31, 2025** – Jammu and Kashmir has been ravaged by extreme weather conditions over the past three weeks, resulting in a tragic loss of life. As of this morning, the death toll has surpassed 105, with 32 individuals still missing.

The crisis began on August 14th when heavy rainfall triggered devastating landslides in the Chashoti area of Kishtwar, particularly along the Machail Mata Yatra pilgrimage route. At least 65 people, the majority of whom were pilgrims, perished in the disaster. Search and rescue teams from the National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force, Army, and various NGOs have been working tirelessly to recover bodies and assist survivors. The rehabilitation process is ongoing.

Just days later, on August 26th, incessant rain led to another massive landslide near Katra on the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage route in Reasi district, claiming the lives of 34 pilgrims. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has publicly questioned the decision to continue the pilgrimage in the face of repeated severe weather warnings.

Kathua also suffered immensely, with heavy rainfall causing flash floods that claimed seven lives, including five children, and submerged entire villages. Public infrastructure, including bridges and homes, has been severely damaged or destroyed. Rainfall in Jammu reached a staggering 296 mm within 24 hours, shattering a 115-year record dating back to 1910.

Rivers across the region swelled to dangerous levels, severely disrupting transportation, electrical networks, and communication services. In Kashmir, the Jhelum and its tributaries rose dramatically, inundating areas of southern Kashmir and Srinagar, prompting unsettling memories of the 2014 floods. While the river levels have receded following a break in rainfall on August 28th, the threat remains palpable.

Parts of Himachal Pradesh, including Kullu, were also impacted by the heavy rain.

Environmentalists and urban planning experts are pointing to rampant construction in mountainous regions and flawed urban planning as contributing factors to the severity of the flooding. They are urging the government to reassess its development policies and prioritize sustainable practices.

This article was published by The Hindu at August 31, 2025 08:57 am IST.

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