A tragic landslide on the pilgrimage route to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine has claimed the lives of at least 30 people, marking a grim toll in the wake of relentless rainfall that has triggered widespread devastation across the Jammu region. The incident, which occurred near Indraprastha Bhojanalaya at Ardhkuwari on the Katra-Bhawan trek on August 26th (Tuesday), was the direct result of continuous, heavy downpours that have battered the region for days. The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has suspended the pilgrimage until further notice, and authorities have launched a massive rescue operation to assist those trapped and affected by the calamity.
The loss of life is part of a wider crisis unfolding across the Jammu division, where the relentless rain has caused flash floods and landslides, crippling road and rail connectivity. Reports indicate that key national highways, including the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and the Jammu-Pathankot Highway, have been blocked or damaged by landslips and swollen rivers, cutting off communication to large parts of the region. The Northern Railways has been forced to cancel or divert over 20 trains to and from Katra and Jammu, as landslides have damaged the tracks. This disruption has left thousands of pilgrims and residents stranded, with emergency services working round the clock to restore connectivity and provide assistance.
In a unified and swift response, the Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed across the affected districts of Reasi, Doda, Samba, and Jammu. More than 3,500 residents have been evacuated from low-lying areas and shifted to temporary relief camps, where community kitchens have been set up to provide food and shelter. The Deputy Commissioner of Jammu has stated that restoring power and water supply and clearing debris on major highways are the top priorities. The gravity of the situation has also prompted the government to order the closure of all educational institutions and offices, except for essential services, for a second consecutive day, and to restrict night movement for the public.
The Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, has been in close contact with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, briefing him on the extent of the damage and the ongoing rescue operations. Both leaders have expressed their deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and have assured all possible central assistance. The tragic incident has not only brought immense grief to the affected families but has also highlighted the fragile nature of the region’s infrastructure and the challenges posed by extreme weather events. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for a more robust and resilient disaster management system in the Himalayan region.
