Key points
- Death toll rises to 41 across J&K, with 34 pilgrims killed near Ardhkuwari on the Vaishno Devi route; search called off with no more missing reported, per police.
- Jammu records about 296 mm rainfall in 24 hours, the highest in a century, fueling landslides and flash floods.
- Yatra suspended; authorities conducting safety review before resumption; most victims from UP, Rajasthan, Delhi, Punjab, and Mumbai.
- Rail disruptions severe: dozens of trains cancelled, short-terminated, or diverted; Katra–Srinagar stretch largely operating.
- Relief intensified: NDRF, Army, IAF C-130 airlift support in action; LG announces ex gratia; CM raises questions on weather protocol.
Jammu: Record monsoon rain triggered multiple landslides and flash floods across Jammu and Kashmir, with the deadliest incident striking a protection shed near Ardhkuwari on the 12-km Vaishno Devi trek from Katra, killing 34 pilgrims and injuring at least 18, according to police and local officials. Eyewitnesses described a “thunderous blast” as the hillside collapsed in seconds, sweeping through the crowded shelter during an intense downpour on Tuesday afternoon. Authorities suspended the yatra as rocks and debris continued to fall, with search and rescue operations concluding Wednesday evening after a comprehensive sweep and confirmation that no pilgrims remained missing.
The toll and identities
Officials confirmed a combined death toll of at least 41 across Reasi and Doda districts between Tuesday and Wednesday, with most fatalities at Ardhkuwari and four in Doda linked to concurrent rain incidents. Among the 34 who died on the Vaishno Devi route, at least 20 were women, and victims hailed from multiple states including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, Delhi, and Mumbai; 24 have been identified, with efforts ongoing for the remaining.
Weather context
Jammu recorded around 296 mm of rain between Tuesday and Wednesday, the highest in over a century, driving slope failures and inundations across vulnerable hill tracts. The extreme rainfall added to broader monsoon havoc across the region, damaging bridges, roads and homes, and compounding operational risks for responders until a brief weather window improved conditions.
Yatra and pilgrim safety
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board suspended the pilgrimage and said resumption will be considered only after thorough safety assessments of the track and shelters. Two routes serve the shrine—the old track and the Himkoti (Tarakote) route and operations were progressively halted amid red-flag weather warnings on Tuesday.
Rail and travel disruptions
Rail services in the Jammu division remain severely disrupted due to flooding and soil erosion, especially near the Chakki River, prompting Northern Railway to cancel or curtail a large slate of trains; while Jammu–Katra–Udhampur services were heavily affected, service on the Katra–Srinagar stretch continued with adjustments. Officials cited 50+ full cancellations alongside widespread short-terminations/originations and diversions, stranding hundreds of passengers, including pilgrims returning from Katra.
Government response
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha chaired a high-level review, announced ex gratia support for families of the deceased, and coordinated with central leadership for additional assistance. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah publicly questioned why pilgrims were not proactively halted despite advance inclement weather alerts, calling for a protocol review once immediate rescue concludes.
Rescue and relief
NDRF teams, security forces, and local volunteers cleared debris and conducted searches through challenging conditions; with a weather break, operations accelerated and were formally closed at Ardhkuwari after all areas were combed. The Indian Air Force positioned a C-130 for relief airlift while ground logistics moved medical supplies and evacuated the injured to facilities around Katra and Jammu.
What’s next
- Yatra reopening hinges on structural safety checks of shelters and track stabilization, with authorities indicating a cautious, phased approach.
- Northern Railway said cancellations, diversions, and short-originations will continue until track conditions are certified safe; passengers should expect rolling updates.
- A state-level inquiry and SOP review for weather-linked pilgrimage management are likely given public scrutiny and official statements.
