J&K flash floods: Landslide near Vaishno Devi shrine kills 32 — Top developments

NEW DELHI: At least 32 people lost their lives after heavy rains triggered a landslide near the Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir.

Also Read | J&K rain mayhem: 30 dead, several injured in Vaishno Devi landslides; yatra halted

Heavy rain and flash floods also wreaked havoc in Kashmir Valley causing severe damage to infrastructure.

This comes days after flash floods triggered by a cloudburst struck Kishtwar district's Chisoti, the last motorable village en route to the Machail Mata temple, on August 14, killing 65 people, mostly pilgrims, and leaving more than 100 injured.

Here are the top development

Vaishno Devi yatra suspended

Officials said the death toll from the Vaishno Devi landslide has risen to 32 after heavy rains that triggered a landslide near the Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district.


The landslide struck near Indraprastha Bhojanalaya at Ardhkuwari en route to Vaishno Devi cave shrine in Reasi around 3pm on Tuesday, officials said.

Authorities halted pilgrim movement until weather clears.


Railways cancel 22 trains

The Northern Railways cancelled the next day's 22 trains halting at or departing from Jammu and Katra railway stations, and short-terminated 27 trains in the division.

"Twenty-seven trains have been short-terminated on Tuesday. This has been done in view of the prevailing weather conditions in the region," Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Northern Railway, Jammu Division, said.

Of the 22 cancelled, nine trains are from Katra, the base camp of the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, and one from Jammu, officials said.

The remaining trains were scheduled to arrive at Katra, Jammu and Udhampur stations.

Train services have also been suspended from Pathankot to Kandrori in Himachal Pradesh due to heavy soil erosion and flash floods at the Chakki River on Tuesday.

Omar Abdullah briefs PM Modi, Amit Shah on J&K rains
J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah said he spoke with PM Modi and home minister Amit Shah to brief them on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir after heavy rains caused major damage and disruption, especially in the Jammu region.

In posts on X, Abdullah wrote:

• "Spoke to Hon PM Modi Sb a short while ago. I briefed him about the situation in J&K from the worst-hit areas as I toured parts of Jammu along the banks of the Tawi, which saw heavy damage yesterday. I’m grateful for his assurance of continued assistance to the people of J&K."

• "Just spoke to the Union home minister on the phone to brief him about the situation in J&K, especially Jammu province, where heavy & continuous rains have caused a lot of damage and disruption to normal life. Efforts are being made to restore phone/data connectivity as soon as possible. The closure of Jammu airport stopped me & my colleagues from reaching Jammu this evening. I hope to be able to get there on the first flight tomorrow. In the meantime, I'm closely monitoring the situation & in touch with the teams on the ground in the division."

Loss of lives in Vaishno Devi landslide tragedy saddening: PM Modi


PM Modi expressed grief over the Vaishno Devi landslide tragedy that claimed 32 lives so far. He said the administration is extending all possible help to those affected.

On X, the Prime Minister posted: "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."

Officials confirmed that the death toll has risen to 32 after more bodies were recovered from the debris along the shrine route in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district. Rescue operations are still under way.

3,500 people evacuated

According to officials, more than 3,500 residents were evacuated in Jammu and shifted to relief camps.

Community kitchens in Muthi and Satwari are providing meals, while medical teams have been stationed at all major relief centres. Deputy Commissioner Jammu Rakesh Minhas said restoring power, water supply and clearing debris on highways were top priorities.

“The situation is being continuously monitored, with further updates to be issued as the response progresses,” he said.

The Army dispatched three relief columns — one to Ardhkuwari, another to the Katra–Thakra Kot road, and a third to Jaurian. NDRF and SDRF teams are engaged in rescue operations across the worst-hit pockets of Reasi, Doda, Samba and Jammu.