The death toll from the Vaishno Devi landslide in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district has risen to 34 after rescue teams discovered more bodies under the debris along the pilgrimage trek, including 11 from Uttar Pradesh. The disaster was triggered by heavy monsoon rains caused by a cloudburst earlier this month, which resulted in extensive damage to homes and roads.
Most casualties were reported in the Ardhkuwari area of Reasi, with pilgrims from UP, Rajasthan, Delhi, and Punjab among the dead. Nearby Doda district recorded four deaths due to related landslides. Authorities have suspended the pilgrimage and initiated relief measures to assist affected families.
Heavy Rainfall and Landslide Devastate Vaishno Devi Pilgrimage
The landslide struck near Ardhkuwari, a midpoint on the 12-kilometre trek from Katra to the Vaishno Devi shrine. Rescue teams including the Army, CRPF, police, and the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) worked under strenuous conditions worsened by continuous rain and damaged access roads. Initial reports had flattened the death toll at six before search operations discovered more bodies, reflecting the scale of the tragedy.
At least 20 people were reported injured. Yatra officials suspended the pilgrimage indefinitely to ensure safety, and evacuation efforts have been stepped up. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha announced an ex gratia amount of Rs 9 lakh for the families of the victims, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath sanctioned Rs 4 lakh for the kin of the 11 deceased pilgrims from his state.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also announced an ex gratia amount of “₹6 lakh ex-gratia (₹4 lakh from SDRF & ₹2 lakh from CM’s Relief Fund) for the next of kin of those who lost their lives in the landslide at Mata Vaishno Devi & other flood-related incidents in past two days in J&K. 1 lakh will be given to the severely injured & ₹50,000 to those with minor injuries. Additionally, Chief Minister has directed the Advance placement of ₹10 crore with each Deputy Commissioner to meet the immediate requirements of relief, rehabilitation and restoration,” said the Office of CM.
Context of the Disaster Amid Record-Breaking Monsoon Rains
Jammu and Kashmir have been battered by unprecedented monsoon rainfall this season, with Jammu city receiving 380 mm of rain in 24 hours, a record since 1910. The torrential downpour caused the Jhelum River to breach the danger mark near Sangam, prompting flood alerts. Key routes such as the Srinagar-Jammu highway and several national highways were closed due to landslides, compounding rescue and relief challenges.
More than 5,000 people were evacuated from low-lying flood-affected areas in Jammu. Telecom disruptions exacerbated communication problems, leading Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to urge service providers to restore connectivity. The landslide at Vaishno Devi adds to a series of seasonal disasters, including a deadly flash flood in Kishtwar in August that claimed 65 lives. These incidents highlight the region’s increasing vulnerability to extreme weather events.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The Vaishno Devi tragedy is a solemn reminder that religious devotion must go hand in hand with robust disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience. The Logical Indian stresses the need for real-time weather monitoring, evacuation protocols, and safer pilgrimage routes to protect lives without curbing spiritual practices.
Compassion must drive government and community responses, ensuring aid reaches those affected swiftly. This disaster invites reflection on how the government, civil society, and residents can collaboratively strengthen safety measures and reduce risks during monsoon seasons.
