Heavy rainfall triggered a devastating landslide on the route to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, near Ardhkuwari, on Tuesday afternoon, resulting in the deaths of five pilgrims and injuries to fourteen others. The incident occurred around 3 p.m. near the Inderprastha Bhojnalaya, disrupting access to the popular pilgrimage site.
The Vaishno Devi Shrine Board confirmed the incident and stated that rescue operations were immediately initiated with the required manpower and machinery. The Shrine Board also posted on X, mentioning that some injuries were feared.
The landslide, triggered by three consecutive days of heavy rainfall in the Jammu region, also prompted the suspension of the Vaishno Devi Yatra. The Yatra on the Himkoti trek route had already been suspended earlier in the day due to the heavy downpour. Authorities have restricted movement of devotees on the lower track, and the Yatra will remain suspended until the debris is cleared.
In addition to the tragic incident at Vaishno Devi, the heavy rains have wreaked havoc across the Jammu region. Four people were reported dead in a cloudburst in the Doda district. Numerous landslides and instances of shooting stones have been reported, causing widespread disruption. The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway has been closed as a precautionary measure. Low-lying areas are inundated, with floodwaters entering residential areas.
The Meteorological Department (MET) has issued warnings of continued heavy rainfall in the region, with risks of cloudbursts, flash floods, landslides, and mudslides. Authorities have urged residents to remain cautious and avoid vulnerable areas. A flood alert has been declared across multiple districts in Jammu, including Kathua, Samba, Doda, Ramban, and Kishtwar, as rivers are flowing above warning levels.
The recent spell of extreme weather has caused extensive damage and disruption in various parts of North India. In Himachal Pradesh, devastating floods have struck the tourist town of Manali, sweeping away shops, homes, and hotels.
