30 Dead in Landslides on Vaishno Devi Route Amid Heavy North India Rains

Deadly Landslide Near Vaishno Devi Shrine in Jammu and Kashmir Claims 30 Lives

At least 30 people lost their lives after heavy rains triggered a devastating landslide near the revered Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir. The tragic incident was confirmed by Reasi Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Paramvir Singh, who reported that incessant rainfall in the region had destabilized the terrain, leading to the massive landslide that swept away several devotees and blocked critical pathways to the shrine.

The news agency ANI quoted SSP Singh, stating, “Thirty people have lost their lives after heavy rains triggered a landslide near the Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir’s Katra.” Authorities have described the situation as extremely grave, with relief operations continuing in difficult weather conditions.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah immediately reacted to the disaster, describing it as “extremely tragic.” He assured full support from the Centre to the Jammu and Kashmir administration. Shah revealed that he had spoken to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to coordinate rescue and relief measures. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Shah announced that National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams were promptly dispatched to the scene to assist local authorities. He reiterated that the injured were receiving immediate care and that the Centre stood firmly behind the people of Jammu and Kashmir during this crisis.

“The landslide incident caused by heavy rains on the Vaishno Devi Yatra route in Jammu and Kashmir is extremely tragic. I have spoken with the Chief Minister, Shri Omar Abdullah ji, and the Lieutenant Governor, Shri Manoj Sinha ji. Relief and rescue operations are ongoing, with NDRF teams already on the ground to support efforts,” Shah’s post read.

Meanwhile, personnel from the 6th Battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) acted swiftly following the incident. Despite the ongoing heavy rainfall, the CRPF launched immediate rescue operations. They evacuated injured devotees and transported them to the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Katra for medical attention. Alongside evacuation efforts, the CRPF provided stranded pilgrims with essential medical and logistical assistance, ensuring that relief supplies reached those in urgent need. Their quick action was widely appreciated in light of the challenging conditions.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed his deep condolences to the victims’ families. In a heartfelt message, he said he was “deeply distressed” by the loss of lives. Sinha prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured and directed officials to extend immediate relief and financial assistance. “Deeply distressed to know that an unfortunate landslide triggered by incessant rain claimed the lives of devotees at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine. My condolences to the bereaved families & I pray that the injured recover quickly. Directed officials to provide immediate assistance,” the LG’s office wrote on X.

Adding to concerns, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued fresh warnings about severe weather conditions across the region. Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) imagery from Jammu, taken around 5:10 am on Wednesday, indicated widespread and intense thunderstorm activity. The IMD urged residents, particularly those in hilly and low-lying areas, to remain indoors and strictly follow official advisories to avoid further casualties.

The tragic event underscores the growing risks of extreme weather in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly during the monsoon season, which has repeatedly disrupted the Vaishno Devi Yatra. With rescue and relief operations still underway, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of devotees and mitigating the impact of the continuing heavy rains.