Srinagar, Sept. 2 -- The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra remained suspended for the eighth consecutive day on Tuesday as persistent rainfall, landslides, and flash floods continued to batter the Trikuta hills in Reasi district.

Authorities have stopped the movement of pilgrims from the Katra base camp as a precaution, leaving the shrine town and adjoining areas deserted while devotees await the resumption of the pilgrimage. Restoration work on damaged tracks and roads is currently underway.

The yatra was first suspended on August 27 after a massive landslide triggered by heavy rain killed 34 people. In response, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha ordered a high-level inquiry to determine the causes of the tragedy.

The three...