At least 32 people have been killed and dozens injured after a massive landslide struck near the Vaishno Devi shrine in northern India’s Jammu region on Tuesday. The disaster occurred along the steep mountain trail leading to the temple, one of Hinduism’s most important pilgrimage destinations, visited by over 8 million devotees annually.
Located about 60 kilometers from Jammu city and perched in the Trikuta Hills of the Himalayas, Vaishno Devi is revered worldwide as a spiritual site. The landslide, triggered by relentless monsoon rains, has not only claimed lives but also disrupted religious travel, infrastructure, and communication across the wider region.
How the Landslide Unfolded
The incident struck near Adhkuwari, roughly midway on the 12-kilometer trek from Katra (the base town) to the shrine. Torrential rains loosened mountain slopes, sending boulders crashing down onto the crowded trail packed with pilgrims making their way upward.
Survivors reported scenes of panic as devotees scrambled for safety amid collapsing debris. Rescue teams rushed to the site but heavy rainfall and blocked roads slowed their progress.
Casualties and Rescue Efforts
Authorities confirmed that 32 lives have been lost. More than 20 others were injured, many critically, and have been moved to hospitals in Katra and Jammu.
The Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local police remain on the ground. With helicopters on standby and sniffer dogs deployed, officials fear more victims may be trapped under debris.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has flown in relief supplies aboard C-130 transport aircraft, while Chinook and Mi-17 helicopters are prepared for evacuation operations.
Monsoon Havoc Across Jammu Region
This tragedy is part of a larger crisis unfolding across Jammu and Kashmir, where days of torrential monsoon rains have unleashed widespread destruction:
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Rail and road links cut off: At least 18 trains have been canceled as floodwaters damaged tracks. Highways connecting Jammu to other Indian states remain blocked due to mudslides.
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Communication collapse: Power and mobile networks have gone down in several districts, isolating villages and towns.
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Rivers in spate: The Tawi, Chenab, Ravi, and Jhelum rivers have surged past danger levels, inundating nearby settlements.
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Schools shut: Authorities have ordered closures in affected zones to ensure children’s safety.
Government Response and Condolences
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow, assuring full support to the victims’ families and promising immediate relief funds. President Droupadi Murmu also extended condolences, urging resilience and collective support during the tragedy.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red alerts, warning of further heavy rains, flash floods, and landslides across Jammu, Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
Why Vaishno Devi Matters Globally
For millions of Hindus worldwide, Vaishno Devi Mata is one of the most sacred deities, and the shrine is considered a must-visit pilgrimage. Every year, devotees travel not only from across India but also from the United States, Canada, Europe, and Southeast Asia to seek blessings at the temple.
The tragedy resonates beyond India’s borders because it has affected one of the most internationally recognized religious centers of Hinduism.
Climate Change and Growing Risk
Experts warn that extreme monsoon events like this are becoming more frequent due to climate change. The fragile Himalayan terrain, already prone to landslides, is particularly vulnerable to torrential rainfall.
This latest disaster follows deadly flash floods in Kishtwar and Kathua earlier this season, which killed at least 65 people, underlining the urgent need for better disaster preparedness and climate adaptation in the Himalayan belt.
The Road Ahead
Rescue teams continue to search for survivors, while the shrine remains temporarily closed for safety. Authorities are working to restore connectivity, evacuate stranded devotees, and provide shelter to displaced families.
For now, the pilgrimage route that usually symbolizes faith, resilience, and devotion has been transformed into a scene of mourning. As the nation grieves, global attention turns once again to the vulnerability of Himalayan communities to the wrath of changing monsoon patterns.
