Vaishnodevi Yatra suspended for third consecutive day

Yatra to Mata Vaishnodevi cave shrine has been suspended for third consecutive day today in view of heavy rains in Jammu and Kashmir as authorities said the pilgrimage would be resumed only after the weather improves.
"Yatra to cave shrine remained suspended for third day today in view of heavy rains and bad weather conditions", officials of Shri Mata Vaishnodevi Shrine Board (SMVSB) said.
Keeping in view the safety of pilgrims in the wake of incessant torrential rainfall and also considering the weather forecast, yatra to the Shrine from Katra-the base camp, has been temporarily suspended till further notice, a spokesman of the Board said.

The Yatra was temporarily suspended from 4.00 PM onwards on September 4 in view of heavy rain in the state.
"Yatra to the Holy Cave Shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Deviji from Katra onwards continues to remain under suspension today also keeping in view the safety of pilgrims in the wake of continuing rains and the closure of the track due to landslides at various places", he said.
Mandeep K Bhandari, Chief Executive Officer, SMVSB, said here today that the decision about resumption of the Yatra will be taken only after the weather improves and, as such, advised the intending pilgrims to replan their schedule for undertaking the pilgrimage accordingly.

Over 4000 pilgrims, who were stranded at Bhawan and other places have been shifted to safer places.
The flood situation in Jammu and Kashmir continued to worsen today with the death toll mounting to over 100 while rescuers struggled to evacuate thousands of people to safety as major rivers and streams were in spate due to incessant rains.