- By Yashashvi Tak
- Tue, 26 Aug 2025 08:08 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Vaishno Devi Landslide: At least six people were killed while 14 others sustained injuries in Reasi district after a landslide hit the Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra route on Tuesday amid heavy rains across Jammu and Kashmir. The famed Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra has also been suspended in view of the landslide and the persistent inclement weather in the Valley.
Several people were feared trapped, as rescuers scrambled to pull out those buried under the debris near the Inderprastha Bhojnalaya at Adhkwari. The landslide struck at a point about halfway along the winding 12-km trek from Katra town to the hilltop shrine.
There are two routes up to the shrine -- while the yatra had been suspended on the Himkoti trek route since morning, it was going on on the old route till 1.30 pm when authorities decided to suspend it as a precautionary measure in view of the rain.
"I was coming down the hill after performing darshan when people started shouting. I saw stones falling down. I rushed to safety but was injured," a victim identified as Kiran said, as quoted by PTI, from a hospital bed in Katra.
Many relatives gathered at the hospital and the Vaishno Devi base camp in Katra, looking for news of their loved ones. Some of the injured have been shifted to the Narayana Hospital in Katra, about 15 km from Jammu. Three relief columns of the Army were swiftly mobilised in rescue and relief operations in and around Katra, the PRO Defence Jammu said.
"One Column is assisting in saving lives in Ardhkuwari, Katra, One relief column reached location of landslide on the road Katra to Thakra Kot and one column providing assistance south of Jaurian. Efforts are on to save lives, provide assistance to needy and take the civilians to safe areas. Close coordination with civil agencies is being carried out," he said in a post on X.
Jammu Rains
1. At least four people have died in Gandhor and Thathri towns of Doda district after continuous heavy rains triggered flash floods, landslides, and mudslides across Jammu.
2. Nearly 15 houses, three footbridges, and a private healthcare centre have been damaged in Doda, Rajouri, and Kishtwar districts.
3. Authorities have issued advisories urging people to avoid water bodies and landslide-prone areas.
4. Doda Deputy Commissioner Harvinder Singh confirmed reports of cloudbursts at two locations.
Jammu And Kashmir Weather Update
1. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a rain alert for several districts in Jammu region, including Kathua, Samba, Doda, Jammu, Ramban, and Kishtwar.
2. Rivers across the Union Territory are swelling beyond danger levels, creating a flood threat in many areas.
3. The water level of the Chenab River is rising, causing concern in certain regions.
4. SDRF teams have been deployed at vulnerable locations.
5. The administration has advised residents, particularly those near riverbanks, to stay alert and avoid unnecessary travel.