Heavy rains caused a major landslide near the Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra on August 26 that killed at least 30 people. The incident happened at Adhkwari Cave Temple, a significant destination on the pilgrimage route to the holy shrine, near Inderprastha Bhojnalaya. “As rescue efforts continue with full deployment of manpower and machinery, several others are feared injured,” said Reasi Senior Superintendent of Police Paramvir Singh.
According to a statement released on X by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), “A landslide incident has occurred near Inderprastha Bhojnalaya at Adhkwari; some injuries are feared.” Along with the necessary equipment and personnel, rescue operations are in progress. “Jai Mata Di.” Additionally, the region’s train traffic was affected by the landslide and the ongoing downpour. Due to soil erosion and flash flooding in the Chakki River, officials reported that 18 trains were canceled after traffic was halted on the down line between Pathankot Cantt and Kandori.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah promised prompt relief efforts and called the situation “extremely tragic.” He claimed to have held conversations with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in a post on X. He also mentioned that National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) troops were dispatched to the scene shortly after the tragedy. Condolences were also offered by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who called the incident “deeply distressing.” He gave officials instructions to help the grieving families and provide emergency relief to the injured. Authorities are working to restore connectivity and guarantee safety along the pilgrimage route while rescue and relief efforts continue.
