Pilgrimage turns Tragic - Landslides kill 30 in Vaishno Devi

Tragedy Strikes Vaishno Devi Route as Landslides Claim 30 Lives Amid Relentless Rainfall in Northern India

Heavy monsoon rains have wreaked devastation in Jammu and Kashmir, where a massive landslide near the revered Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra claimed the lives of at least 30 people on Tuesday. The calamity unfolded along the pilgrimage route as persistent downpours destabilised the fragile slopes of the Trikuta hills, sending torrents of mud and debris crashing onto devotees and local residents alike.

Government Response and Condolences

The Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, described the incident as “extremely tragic,” extending condolences to the bereaved families. He confirmed that he had spoken directly with Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, and the Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, to ensure coordinated relief efforts with full support from the Centre. In a message shared on X, Shah announced that teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) had been swiftly deployed to the site. “The landslide on the Vaishno Devi Yatra route is a matter of deep sorrow. Relief and rescue operations are under way, with NDRF personnel working alongside the local administration to assist the injured and safeguard stranded pilgrims,” he wrote.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, too, expressed his grief at the scale of the disaster. He conveyed his sympathies to the families who lost loved ones and urged officials to provide immediate medical and financial support. “Deeply distressed to learn that incessant rainfall has led to the loss of innocent lives at the shrine. My prayers are with the injured for a swift recovery,” the LG Office noted in a statement.

On-Ground Rescue Operations

Amidst the chaos, troopers from the 6th Battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were among the first responders. Braving hazardous conditions, they carried out evacuation efforts, transferring the wounded to the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Katra. CRPF personnel also played a crucial role in aiding pilgrims trapped on the route, ensuring the provision of food, medical attention, and temporary shelter to those stranded by the landslide.

Weather Warnings and Ongoing Risk

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed that Doppler Weather Radar imagery from Jammu, recorded at 5:10 am on Wednesday, displayed widespread thunderstorm activity with severe rainfall bands passing through the region. Officials have warned that the risk of further landslides remains high given the intensity and persistence of the monsoon system. Residents and pilgrims have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, especially in hilly terrain and flood-prone valleys. Authorities emphasised the importance of adhering strictly to safety advisories, warning that additional slope failures could be triggered if the rains continue unabated.

Broader Context

This tragedy is a stark reminder of the vulnerability of Himalayan pilgrimage routes, where natural beauty and religious devotion often coexist with the looming threat of landslides, cloudbursts, and flash floods. The Vaishno Devi Yatra, which draws millions of devotees annually, has historically been marred by weather-related disruptions, prompting repeated calls for stronger disaster-preparedness measures. As rescue operations continue, the incident has once again brought into sharp focus the fragile balance between faith, infrastructure, and the forces of nature in India’s mountainous regions.