30 Dead as Landslide Strikes Vaishno Devi Route

A sudden landslide struck the pilgrimage route to the sacred Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine on Tuesday, killing at least 30 people and injuring many others, officials confirmed. Authorities suspended the Vaishno Devi yatra and launched an urgent rescue operation.

The landslide happened near the Adhkwari (Inderprastha Bhojnalaya) area along the winding 12-kilometer path from Katra to the shrine. Heavy monsoon rains triggered the collapse, bringing down boulders and debris that struck unsuspecting pilgrims in their path.

Rescue teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Army, and local administration rushed to the scene. They cleared rubble and helped evacuate the injured to nearby hospitals. Schools in the region temporarily closed, and train services halted due to damaged infrastructure.

Residents and officials remain on high alert as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts continued heavy rain and thunderstorms across Jammu and Kashmir, along with parts of Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh. Authorities urge pilgrims and locals to avoid risky areas and stay updated on weather advisories.