A tragic landslide struck the route to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Temple in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district on Tuesday, prompting an immediate response from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The incident, triggered by days of unrelenting, torrential rain, resulted in the loss of at least 32 lives, with fears that more people could be trapped under the rubble. Approximately 20 individuals sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment in various hospitals.

The landslide occurred near the Inderprastha Bhojnalaya at Adhkwari, a location roughly halfway along the 12-kilometer trek from Katra to the revered shrine. Around 3 pm on Tuesday, the mountainside gave way, sending stones, boulders, and rocks hurtling down, catching pilgrims unaware. Rescue teams are diligently working to clear the debris and search for any remaining survivors.

Prime Minister Modi expressed his profound grief and offered condolences to the families of the deceased. In a post on X, he wrote, "The loss of lives due to a landslide on the route to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Temple is saddening. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover at the earliest. The administration is assisting all those affected. My prayers for everyone's safety and well-being".

The Vaishno Devi Shrine Board also acknowledged the incident in a post, stating, "A landslide incident has occurred near Inderprastha Bhojnalaya at Adhkwari, some injuries are feared. Rescue operations are underway along with required manpower and machinery".

In the wake of the disaster, authorities suspended the pilgrimage as a precautionary measure. The Himkoti trek route had already been closed due to the heavy rain, and the old route was also subsequently shut down after conditions worsened.

The relentless rainfall has wreaked havoc across the Jammu region. An earlier cloudburst in Kishtwar district on August 14 led to flash floods, causing widespread destruction and claiming the lives of at least 65 people, mostly pilgrims en route to the Machail Mata shrine. More than 100 individuals were injured in that incident, and 32 remain missing.

The current situation is being closely monitored, and rescue and relief operations are ongoing. The administration is focused on providing assistance to those affected by the tragedy. The Prime Minister's message conveys a sense of solidarity and assurance that every possible effort is being made to support the victims and their families during this difficult time.