Image Credit: ANI/ IANS
At least 30 people have died after a massive landslide, triggered by relentless rains, struck near the Adhkwari cave temple on the route to the revered Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra.
The incident occurred near Inderprastha Bhojnalaya, a popular stop for pilgrims.
Paramvir Singh, Senior Superintendent of Police, Reasi, confirmed that the landslide killed 30 people and said the disaster may have injured several others.
Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), along with local authorities, have launched rescue operations. Railway authorities cancelled eighteen trains after flash floods and soil erosion near the Chakki river suspended traffic on the down line between Pathankot Cantt and Kandrori.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) confirmed the incident on X, stating, “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”
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#VaishnoDevi #YatraUpdate
— Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (@OfficialSMVDSB) August 26, 2025
Railway Services Affected
Continuous rainfall has also caused significant disruption to railway services in the region.
Railway authorities cancelled eighteen trains after flash floods and soil erosion near the Chakki river suspended traffic on the down line between Pathankot Cantt and Kandrori.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah described the incident as ‘extremely tragic’ and said he had spoken to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
“The local administration is engaged in relief and rescue operations to assist the injured, and the NDRF team is also reaching there,” he posted on X.
जम्मू-कश्मीर के वैष्णो देवी यात्रा मार्ग पर भारी बारिश के कारण भूस्खलन से हुआ हादसा अत्यंत दुःखद है। इस सम्बन्ध में जम्मू-कश्मीर के मुख्यमंत्री श्री उमर अब्दुल्ला जी और उपराज्यपाल श्री मनोज सिन्हा जी से बात की। घायलों की मदद के लिए स्थानीय प्रशासन राहत और बचाव कार्य में जुटा हुआ…
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) August 26, 2025
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed deep sorrow and extended condolences to the affected families.
“Directed officials to provide immediate assistance,” he wrote. He also urged citizens to follow weather-related advisories as heavy rains continue across the Jammu division.
Deeply distressed to know that an unfortunate landslide triggered by incessant rain claimed 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.
— Office of LG J&K (@OfficeOfLGJandK) August 26, 2025
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah shared that heavy and continuous rain had disrupted normal life and affected connectivity. He said officials are working to restore phone and data services as soon as possible after speaking with the Union Home Minister.
Just spoke to the Union Home Minister @AmitShah ji on the phone to brief him about the situation in J&K, especially Jammu province, where heavy & continuous rains have caused a lot of damage and disruption to normal life. Efforts are being made to restore phone/data connectivity…
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) August 26, 2025
Authorities remain on high alert as inclement weather continues to pose challenges to rescue and relief operations.
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