Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed deep grief over the tragic loss of lives in the landslide that struck the Vaishno Devi yatra route in Jammu and Kashmir’s Katra, killing at least 30 devotees.
Calling the incident “saddening,” PM Modi said the administration is extending all possible assistance to the victims. “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,” he wrote on X.
The landslide occurred near Inderprastha Bhojnalaya at the Adhkwari cave temple on the pilgrimage route. Rescue operations are in full swing, with officials deploying manpower and machinery to clear debris and assist devotees.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also termed the incident “extremely tragic” and confirmed that NDRF teams were rushed to the site. “The local administration is engaged in relief and rescue operations to assist the injured, and the NDRF team is also reaching there,” he said after speaking with J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
Lieutenant Governor Sinha expressed condolences and directed officials to provide immediate aid. “Deeply distressed to know that an unfortunate landslide triggered by incessant rain claimed the lives of devotees at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine. My condolences to the bereaved families & I pray that the injured recover quickly,” the LG’s office said in a statement.
Meanwhile, the impact of the landslide and continuous rainfall has also disrupted train services in the region. At least 18 trains were cancelled after flash floods and soil erosion near the Chakki river forced suspension of traffic between Pathankot Cantt and Kandrori, officials confirmed.
