A devastating landslide struck the sacred Vaishno Devi pilgrimage route in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, claiming five lives and injuring 14 people. The tragic incident occurred near Ardhkuwari, forcing authorities to suspend the holy yatra indefinitely as rescue operations continue in the region.
What Happened at Vaishno Devi?
The landslide struck around 3 PM near Inderprastha Bhojnalaya at Ardhkuwari, roughly halfway along the 12-kilometer trek to the hilltop shrine. Heavy rainfall that had been battering the Jammu region for three consecutive days triggered the deadly incident.
Rescue operations amid debris after a landslide on the Vaishno Devi route causing casualties and injuries
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board immediately responded with rescue operations, deploying manpower and machinery to clear debris and assist trapped pilgrims. The injured were quickly transported to hospitals in Katra for medical treatment.
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Impact on Pilgrimage and Transportation
Yatra Suspension
The Vaishno Devi yatra has been completely suspended until further notice. Earlier in the day, authorities had already suspended the Himkoti trek route, but pilgrims continued using the old route until 1:30 PM when officials decided to halt all pilgrimage activities.
Transportation Disruptions
The incident has severely affected transportation across the region:
- Battery car services halted as safety measure
- Helicopter services suspended
- Jammu-Srinagar highway closed due to landslides
- 18 trains cancelled to and from Katra, Udhampur, and Jammu stations
Broader Impact Across Jammu and Kashmir
The landslide at Vaishno Devi is part of a larger pattern of destruction across Kashmir and Jammu regions. The torrential rains have caused:
- Internet blackout across Jammu due to damaged optical fiber cables
- Major rivers like Tawi and Ravi flowing above danger levels
- Flash floods in Doda district killing four additional people
- Over 10 houses damaged in various districts
“The situation in many parts of Jammu province is quite serious. I’ll be taking the next available flight from Srinagar to Jammu to personally monitor the developing situation.” – Chief Minister Omar Abdullah
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Weather Warnings and Safety Measures
The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for several districts including Kathua, Samba, Doda, Jammu, Ramban, and Kishtwar. Weather experts warn of continued heavy rainfall for the next 40 hours, with possibilities of more cloudbursts and landslides.
Local authorities from Greater Kashmir region have advised residents to:
- Stay away from riverbanks and water bodies
- Avoid landslide-prone areas
- Move to safer locations if living in low-lying areas
- Contact emergency helplines for assistance
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is tomorrow a holiday due to the Vaishno Devi incident?
A: While there’s no official holiday declared, the pilgrimage remains suspended indefinitely. All schools in the Jammu division are closed due to weather conditions.
Q: When will the Vaishno Devi yatra resume?
A: The shrine board will announce resumption only after weather conditions improve and the route is declared safe.
Q: How can pilgrims get updates about the situation?
A: Follow official Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board channels for authentic updates, though internet services remain disrupted in many areas.
Q: What emergency numbers can people contact?
A: District-wise helpline numbers have been issued by local authorities for immediate assistance.
Rescue and Relief Efforts
State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams, along with local police, Indian Army, and civil administration, are working round-the-clock to assist affected people. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has allocated additional emergency funds to Deputy Commissioners for restoration work and relief operations.
The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by extreme weather events in the mountainous terrain of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly affecting one of India’s most visited pilgrimage sites.
