Over 30 dead as torrential rains trigger landslide near Vaishno Devi shrine in J&K

At least 30 pilgrims lost their lives and several others were injured after a massive landslide, triggered by relentless rains, struck the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage route in Jammu’s Trikuta Hills on August 26 night.

The disaster unfolded near Adh Kunwari, midway along the 12-km trek from Katra in Reasi district to the revered hilltop shrine.

Officials said the victims had sought shelter under an iron shed near the Inderprastha Bhojnalaya at Adh Kunwari on the Himkoti route, when the debris came crashing down. Rescue teams are on the ground, clearing rubble and searching for those feared trapped beneath.

In the wake of the tragedy, the Shrine Board suspended the yatra along both the Himkoti and traditional routes until further notice.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the incident, writing on X: “The loss of lives due to a landslide on the route to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Temple is saddening. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover at the earliest. The administration is assisting all those affected. My prayers for everyone’s safety and well-being.”

Jammu reels under rain fury

Beyond the pilgrimage route, the rains have left Jammu city and surrounding areas reeling. Major power outages have plunged vast stretches of the region into darkness since Tuesday night, while mobile networks remain severely disrupted, hampering rescue and relief work.

Though the downpour subsided by Wednesday morning, leaving a glimmer of respite, officials continue to maintain high alert. With water levels in the Tawi and Chenab rivers gradually receding, authorities have urged residents to stay away from riverbanks and water bodies.

J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, highlighting the communication breakdown, wrote on X: “Still struggling with almost nonexistent communication… Haven’t felt this disconnected since the terrible days of 2014 & 2019.”

Highways cut off, homes damaged

The relentless rains and landslides forced the closure of several key highways, including the Jammu-Srinagar and Batote-Doda-Kishtwar routes. Traffic was also halted on the Jammu-Poonch highway after landslides struck multiple stretches.

Local reports confirmed damage to 17 houses, several government properties, and the washing away of three footbridges. In Jammu city, floodwaters swamped several neighborhoods, entering homes and shops. Authorities ordered schools across the province to remain shut on August 27 as a precautionary measure.