Reasi, Jammu & Kashmir | August 27, 2025|SKY LINK TIMES
The death toll from the devastating landslide on the Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage route has risen to 34, a day after the tragedy struck Ardhkunwari near the sacred hilltop shrine in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district. At least 18 others were injured as torrential rains triggered massive rocks and debris to crash down the mountainside.
The incident occurred around 3 pm on Tuesday when a protection shed, situated halfway along the 12-km trek from Katra to the shrine, collapsed under the force of the landslide. Pilgrims taking shelter inside were caught completely off guard.
Eyewitness: “It was like a bomb blast”
Eyewitnesses recalled chilling scenes of panic and destruction. Ramesh Singh, a palkiwalla (palanquin carrier), said the collapse happened in seconds.
“It was like a loud thunderclap or a bomb blast from above. The shed collapsed at once. First, the upper shed fell, then the second one, within just three or four seconds,” he recounted.
Singh added that 35–40 people were inside the shed at the time. “There was water rushing in, stones falling everywhere. I was injured myself. Some boys with me managed to rescue a few people, but the soil and rocks kept coming down from above,” he said.
Victims Include Children and Women
Among the deceased were five children and eight women. Many of the victims were pilgrims from outside Jammu and Kashmir, including at least four each from Punjab, Rajasthan and Delhi, and three from Uttar Pradesh.
Authorities confirmed that rescue operations continued late into the night despite difficult weather conditions.
Yatra Suspended
The landslide forced the temporary suspension of the Vaishno Devi Yatra. Officials said while the Himkoti trek route had already been closed since morning due to heavy rains, the traditional route was functional until 1:30 pm. It was later suspended till further notice as the downpour worsened and safety risks grew.
Pilgrims stranded at various points along the route were moved back to safer areas in Katra. Authorities have assured that the shrine board and disaster response teams are working to restore the route, but further rains may delay the resumption of the pilgrimage.
Rising Concerns Over Safety
This tragedy has once again raised questions about the safety of pilgrims on the Vaishno Devi route, especially during the monsoon season when landslides are common in the hilly Reasi region. While protective sheds and barricades are in place, Tuesday’s incident highlighted the unpredictability of nature in the Himalayas.
Condolences and Relief Measures
Political leaders across the country expressed condolences to the families of the victims. Relief and compensation announcements are expected soon from the Jammu and Kashmir administration.
Meanwhile, rescue officials urged people planning to visit the shrine in the coming days to monitor official advisories and weather updates before undertaking the trek.
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