At least 32 people were killed and over 20 injured after a massive landslide struck the pilgrimage route to the Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district on Tuesday, August 26, 2025. The disaster occurred near Adh Kunwari, approximately halfway along the 12-kilometer trek from Katra town to the hilltop shrine, during relentless heavy rainfall.
The victims, primarily pilgrims, had taken shelter under an iron shed near the Inderprastha Bhojnalaya at Adh Kunwari due to the incessant rains. The landslide buried the structure, leading to the tragic loss of life. Rescue operations are ongoing, with teams working to clear debris and search for any individuals who may still be trapped.
In response to the tragedy, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board suspended the yatra on the Himkoti route immediately following the incident. Subsequently, the pilgrimage was halted on the traditional route as well, pending further orders. Authorities have also suspended train services to the region, leaving many devotees stranded.
The heavy rains have caused widespread disruption across Jammu and Kashmir. Major highways, including the Jammu-Srinagar and Batote-Doda-Kishtwar national highways, have been closed due to landslides and flooding. Local roads in areas such as Doda-Bhaderwah, Thathri-Tanta, and Dhara-Jai have also been rendered impassable. Seventeen houses and several government properties have been damaged, and three footbridges have been washed away.
In Jammu city, several areas are waterlogged, with water entering residences and shops. The administration has ordered the closure of all government and private schools in Jammu province for Wednesday, August 27, 2025. Power outages have affected large parts of the region, and mobile networks are largely down, complicating rescue and relief efforts.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed his distress over the situation, noting significant communication disruptions and the challenges faced by relief teams. He highlighted the difficulties in accessing information and coordinating rescue operations due to the widespread network failures.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his condolences over the loss of lives in the landslide. In a message on X (formerly Twitter), he stated, “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.”
As rescue operations continue, authorities are urging residents and pilgrims to stay away from water bodies and rivers, as the water levels in the Tawi and Chenab rivers remain high. The Indian Meteorological Department has issued warnings of more heavy rains in the coming days, raising concerns about the potential for further landslides and flooding in the region.
The tragedy near the Vaishno Devi shrine is the latest in a series of weather-related disasters in the region. Earlier this month, a cloudburst in Kishtwar district’s Chisoti village resulted in the deaths of 65 people, mostly pilgrims, and left more than 100 injured. The recurring incidents underscore the vulnerability of the region’s infrastructure and the urgent need for improved disaster preparedness and response mechanisms.
Rescue and relief operations are expected to continue throughout the day, with authorities working to provide assistance to those affected by the disaster. The situation remains critical, and officials are closely monitoring developments as they unfold.
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