Vaishno Devi Landslide Tragedy: Death Toll Rises to 32, Yatra Suspended Amid Heavy Rains
Jammu, 27th August 2025: The death toll in the massive landslide that struck the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage route in Katra has climbed to 32, officials confirmed on Wednesday. The disaster occurred on Tuesday around 3 p.m. on the old track near Indraprastha Bhojanalaya, close to the Ardhkumari Temple.
Initially, authorities had reported seven deaths by late Tuesday night. However, rescue operations carried out through the night and into Wednesday morning revealed more casualties as teams pulled victims from under boulders, trees, and heavy debris. At least 23 people have been injured, while several others remain missing. Officials warned that the number of fatalities could rise further.
Pilgrimage Halted, Trains Cancelled
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has suspended the yatra until further notice due to the unsafe conditions caused by relentless rainfall. Jammu city recorded over 250 mm of rain in less than 24 hours, triggering flood-like situations in many areas.
Northern Railway announced the cancellation of 22 trains from Jammu-Katra, while 27 others were short-terminated. Services between Katra and Srinagar remain operational.
Eyewitness Accounts
Survivors described scenes of panic and devastation as boulders crashed down the hillside.
“I was walking with my family when a massive rock came down with great force. My wife and children were ahead of me. In moments, they were gone. Everything shattered in front of my eyes,” said one grieving devotee.
Another survivor recalled, “Six of my companions were ahead on the track. I saw stones rolling down, and suddenly there was nothing left. I am still trembling. I don’t know where they are.”
A woman devotee added, “We were on our way to Mata Rani’s darshan. My husband and I survived, but our three children were buried in the debris. It happened instantly.”
Kiran, a resident of Mohali, Punjab, said she narrowly escaped while descending from the shrine. “People started shouting as stones fell. I managed to run to safety but was injured. Out of five in my group, three were hurt,” she said.
Rescue and Relief Efforts
Rescue teams, including the Army, SDRF, and NDRF, worked throughout Wednesday to clear debris and search for survivors. Tin sheds along the track collapsed, railings were damaged, and large rocks blocked the route.
Authorities said nearly 3,500 people have been rescued from flood-hit areas of Jammu district. Relief camps have been set up, with most evacuees sheltered at Jammu’s Youth Hostel. The Army has divided rescue operations into three zones: Ardhkumari, Katra-Thakkar Kot Road, and Jourian.
Rainfall Worsens Situation Across Jammu & Kashmir
Jammu recorded 22 cm of rainfall in just six hours on Tuesday, the heaviest in decades. A flood alert has been issued in South Kashmir after the Jhelum river crossed danger levels at 22 feet. Several districts including Samba, RS Pura, Akhnoor, Kathua, Nagrota, and Udhampur remain badly affected, with continuous rain reported in Reasi, Ramban, Doda, Banihal, and adjoining regions.
Authorities have urged devotees and residents to remain cautious as weather conditions remain unstable.
