30 dead after landslide on Vaishno Devi route in Jammu and Kashmir

At least 30 people have died after a massive landslide struck near the Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir’s Katra on Tuesday, triggered by continuous heavy rains.

The tragedy occurred near Inderprastha Bhojnalaya at the Adhkwari cave temple on the shrine route. The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) said that “a landslide incident has occurred near Inderprastha Bhojnalaya at Adhkwari, some injuries are feared. Rescue operations are underway along with required manpower and machinery. Jai Mata Di.”

Confirming the casualties, Senior Superintendent of Police (Reasi) Paramvir Singh said 30 people had lost their lives. Rescue efforts involving local authorities and disaster response teams were quickly mobilised to assist the injured and clear debris.

Calling the incident “extremely tragic,” Union Home Minister Amit Shah said he had spoken with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. Shah noted that the local administration was engaged in relief and rescue work and that NDRF teams had been rushed to the site.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed deep sorrow, saying he was “deeply distressed to know that an unfortunate landslide triggered by incessant rain claimed the lives of devotees at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine.” He offered condolences to the bereaved families, prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured, and directed officials to provide immediate assistance. Sinha also said the situation across the Jammu division was being closely monitored amid heavy rainfall and urged residents to follow official advisories.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who also spoke with Shah, said that heavy and continuous rains had caused widespread damage and disruption to normal life in Jammu province. He added that efforts were underway to restore phone and data connectivity at the earliest.

Meanwhile, the heavy rains and landslide disrupted rail services in the region. Officials said 18 trains were cancelled after traffic was suspended on the down line between Pathankot Cantt and Kandrori due to soil erosion and flash floods in the Chakki river.