Katra, Jammu & Kashmir | August 27, 2025 (NDTV/ANI):
At least 30 people have lost their lives after relentless monsoon rains triggered massive landslides near the revered Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra, Jammu & Kashmir, officials confirmed early Wednesday.
According to Reasi SSP Paramvir Singh, the tragedy unfolded as thousands of devotees journeyed to the shrine, with heavy rainfall causing devastating landslides on the main pilgrimage route. Rescue operations were immediately launched, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the 6th Battalion of the CRPF rushing to the scene to evacuate the injured and provide urgent medical support at the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Katra.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah described the incident as “extremely tragic” in a statement on X, confirming that he had spoken with Jammu & Kashmir’s Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and assured full central support for rescue and relief.
“The local administration is engaged in relief and rescue operations to assist the injured, and the NDRF team is also reaching there,” Shah posted, emphasizing the government’s commitment to help affected families.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha offered condolences, stating,
“Deeply distressed to know that an unfortunate landslide triggered by incessant rain claimed the lives of devotees at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine. My condolences to the bereaved families & I pray that the injured recover quickly. Directed officials to provide immediate assistance.”
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Doppler Weather Radar imagery at 5:10 am indicated widespread thunderstorms and severe convection, with heavy rain and possible hail affecting Jammu, RS Pura, Samba, Akhnoor, and surrounding regions.
The IMD has strongly advised all residents—especially in hilly and low-lying areas—to stay indoors and follow official safety advisories as rains are expected to continue.
Rescue and Relief Operations Ongoing
As rescue and relief operations intensify, security forces and local authorities continue to assist stranded pilgrims, evacuate the injured, and restore essential services in the affected zones. Social media posts from the CRPF and LG’s office echo the urgency and scale of the tragedy, as the region reels from one of the worst landslides in recent years.
