Torrential rain caused flash floods and landslides in Jammu division, J&K, killing 28 people, with Poonch accounting for 23 deaths. Rescue operations are ongoing, and the Chief Minister announced ex gratia for victims' families amidst continued heavy rain warnings.
Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have temporarily suspended Amarnath and Mata Vaishno Devi Yatras from July 19, citing an IMD forecast of widespread rainfall to ensure pilgrim safety.
A landslide near Himkoti on the new Vaishno Devi pilgrimage track in Reasi district, J&K, caused by heavy rainfall, led to a temporary suspension of battery car services. The old route remained unaffected, and authorities are working to clear debris.
The Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board dispatched approximately 20 tonnes of silver offerings to a government mint, but assayers discovered the metal contained only 5-6% actual silver, with the remainder being toxic cadmium and iron. The contaminated metal is worth roughly Rs 30 crore instead of the expected Rs 500-550 crore. Cadmium is banned in consumer goods under Bureau of Indian Standards norms due to its carcinogenic fumes. The mint has formally flagged the issue to the Jammu & Kashmir Lieutenant Governor and Shrine Board but no documented action has been taken.
