Jammu and Kashmir Flash Floods: 13 Dead, Including 9 in Landslide on Vaishno Devi Route

Jammu, August 27, 2025 At least 13 people have lost their lives in Jammu and Kashmir following flash floods and a devastating landslide along the route to the Vaishno Devi shrine. Among the deceased, nine pilgrims were killed in the landslide that struck near Inderprastha Bhojnalaya at Adhkwari on Tuesday evening. Several others sustained injuries and are undergoing treatment at nearby medical facilities, officials confirmed. The landslide, triggered by incessant rainfall over the past 48 hours, has caused massive disruption in the region. Rescue teams, including personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and local authorities, have been deployed at the affected site. The operation is still underway as efforts continue to trace missing individuals and provide aid to stranded devotees. Rescue Efforts and Helpline Support In response to the tragedy, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) has established a dedicated helpline desk at E&R Niharika in Katra to provide real-time updates to the families of pilgrims. Devotees can contact the board through the following numbers: +91 9906019460, +91 9906019446, and +91 9103491554. The shrine board has also issued an advisory urging devotees to reconsider their plans and re-schedule their pilgrimage until weather conditions improve. “The safety of the pilgrims is our utmost priority,” the board said in a statement. Communication Breakdown Across J&K Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed concerns over the region’s severely disrupted communication network due to heavy rains. Taking to social media, he said he was “still struggling with almost non-existent communication” as most fixed-line WiFi services remained down. “There is a trickle of data flowing on Jio mobile but no browsing, almost no apps, and WhatsApp struggles with anything more than short text messages,” he wrote. This breakdown has made coordination of rescue and relief operations more challenging, particularly in remote and flood-hit areas where access is already limited. Officials are relying heavily on mobile networks with intermittent signals to communicate with field teams. Pilgrimage Impact and Safety Concerns The Vaishno Devi Yatra, one of the most revered pilgrimages in India, witnesses lakhs of devotees each year. The landslide near the Ardhkuwari cave temple has raised serious safety concerns, especially as unpredictable weather patterns continue to affect the region. Authorities have reiterated that the yatra will remain suspended until conditions stabilize. Meanwhile, visuals from the site show CRPF teams evacuating devotees and clearing debris from the affected route. Medical camps have been set up in Katra to provide immediate relief to those injured and stranded. A Call for Caution Officials have warned of further landslides and flash floods in vulnerable areas due to the forecast of continued heavy rainfall. Residents and travelers have been advised to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary movement. The tragic incident has cast a shadow over the ongoing pilgrimage season, reminding both authorities and devotees of the increasing risks posed by climate-driven weather extremes in the Himalayan region. As rescue operations continue, the priority remains saving lives and restoring safe conditions along the pilgrimage route. Jammu & Kashmir Flash Floods Tragedy At least 13 lives lost, including nine devotees, after a massive landslide struck the Vaishno Devi route near Adhkwari following relentless rains. Rescue teams are on ground, while helplines have been set up for families. Authorities have urged devotees to postpone the yatra until weather improves. Stay safe, stay updated