- By Deeksha Gour
- Tue, 26 Aug 2025 10:58 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Vaishno Devi Landslide: At least six pilgrims died and several others were injured on Tuesday after a massive landslide struck the Vaishno Devi route in Jammu and Kashmir. The incident took place around 3 PM near Inderprastha Bhojnalaya at Ardhkuwari following heavy and continuous rainfall in the region.
Rescue teams were rushed to the spot and the yatra to the shrine atop Trikuta hills was immediately suspended. Authorities confirmed that full manpower and machinery had been deployed and that the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board was monitoring the situation closely.
Jammu And Kashmir Landslide: Yatra Suspended Amid Torrential Rains
Officials said that the Himkoti trek route had already been closed earlier in the day due to safety concerns. Pilgrimage along the old track continued until 1:30 PM, before being suspended entirely.
The decision was taken as incessant rains triggered multiple landslides across Jammu, making the shrine route unsafe.
Vaishno Devi Landslide: Centre Extends Support, CM Reviews Situation
Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to review the situation. Shah assured full central assistance to manage relief and rescue operations.
Abdullah, who postponed his planned trip to Jammu due to closure of the airport, said he was in constant touch with ground teams. He later chaired an emergency meeting to assess the damage across the division. “Relief and restoration work will follow SDRF norms, but wherever additional requirements arise, I will ensure necessary support is provided,” he said.
Rain Havoc Across Jammu Region
The toll from rain-related incidents in Jammu and Kashmir has now risen to 10, with more than a dozen people injured. Heavy rains since Monday night have caused flash floods and landslides, damaging at least 18 houses.
In addition, traffic on the Jammu–Srinagar and Kishtwar–Doda national highways was suspended and several hilly roads were blocked by debris. Water bodies across the region are flowing above the danger mark.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Jammu, predicting extremely heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours. Officials have also forecast more rain in isolated parts of the state for the next five days.
Jammu And Kashmir Landslide: Schools Shut, Situation ‘Quite Serious’
The J&K government declared a holiday for all schools on August 27 in view of the worsening weather conditions.
Chief Minister Abdullah described the situation in parts of Jammu as “quite serious” and said he would personally visit the affected areas once flights resumed.
Meanwhile, floodwaters from rivers and streams have entered farmlands and residential areas, adding to the crisis in low-lying villages.