Image Source:assettype
On August 26, 2025, torrential rain triggered a landslide on the pilgrimage route to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine situated atop Trikuta hills in Reasi district, J&K.
The landslide occurred around mid-afternoon near Inderprastha Bhojanalaya at Ardhkuwari, burying several pilgrims under debris.
Six pilgrims lost their lives and at least 14 others were injured in this incident. Rescue operations are ongoing to locate survivors.
Broader Context: The Monsoon Crisis Across Jammu
The region is facing one of its worst monsoon onslaughts in recent memory, with widespread floods and landslides wreaking havoc across Jammu and Kashmir.
Death tolls vary across different reports:
Reuters reports that at least 30 people died in a landslide near Vaishno Devi amid broader heavy rainfall impacts.
Other outlets cite deaths ranging from 11 (including 7 pilgrims) to 13+, highlighting the chaotic and fluid situation.
Infrastructure damage is extensive: multiple bridges have collapsed, and roads—including the Jammu–Srinagar and Kishtwar–Doda highways—are blocked or damaged.
Communication networks are down across large parts of J&K, isolating residents and complicating rescue efforts.
Over 3,500 people have been evacuated, with relief camps, community kitchens, and medical teams hastily deployed.
Authorities and the Army are fully mobilized. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah briefed Union Home Minister Amit Shah, while units like the White Knight Corps spearheaded rescue operations.
The IMD warns of continued heavy rainfall, raising concerns over further landslides and flooding.
Schools are closed, and pilgrimages including Vaishno Devi are temporarily suspended for safety.
[Newsroom staff written original, where key claims or facts are used, I’ve referenced the original sources (like
NDTV Profit,
The Economic Time,
The Times of India, Hindustan Times
Kashmir Times, Reuters, The Federal, etc.) transparently.]
