At least 30 people have died after incessant rainfall triggered a massive landslide near the Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra, Reasi district, officials confirmed on Tuesday.
The incident occurred near Inderprastha Bhojnalaya at Adhkwari cave temple, a key stop along the pilgrimage route to the shrine. The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) said rescue teams with manpower and machinery were immediately deployed.
Railway connectivity in the region has also been hit, with soil erosion and flash floods in the Chakki river forcing suspension of traffic on the Pathankot Cantt–Kandrori line. Officials said 18 trains were cancelled due to the disruption.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah termed the incident “extremely tragic” and said National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams were dispatched swiftly. “I have spoken to J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lt Governor Manoj Sinha. Relief and rescue operations are underway to assist the injured,” Shah wrote on X.
Lt Governor Manoj Sinha expressed grief over the loss of lives and directed officials to ensure urgent medical aid and support to victims’ families. “Deeply distressed to know that an unfortunate landslide claimed the lives of devotees at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine. My condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured,” he said.
Sinha added that authorities are closely monitoring the situation across Jammu division amid continuous rainfall and urged residents to follow safety advisories.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also briefed Amit Shah about the heavy damage and disruption caused by the rains. “Efforts are being made to restore phone and data connectivity as soon as possible,” he posted on X.