Vaishno Devi Landslide in Katra: Several Dead, PM Modi Expresses Grief and Rescue Operations Continue

August 27, 2025 MTIMES 253 Views Jammu Kashmir rains, Jammu Kashmir road closure, Katra landslide news, Mughal Road closure, PM Modi on landslide, Vaishno Devi landslide, Vaishno Devi rescue operations, Vaishno Devi temple tragedy 3 min read

In Jammu and Kashmir, many people lost their lives when a massive landslide struck the route leading to the sacred Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra. The incident took place yesterday after relentless heavy rains caused severe slope collapses in the region. SSP Reasi, Paramvir Singh, confirmed the tragic deaths while rescue and relief efforts were launched on an urgent basis.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his condolences over the loss of lives due to the landslide near the Vaishno Devi temple. In his social media message, the Prime Minister assured that the administration is extending all possible help to the victims and their families. He also wished a swift recovery for the injured and prayed for the safety of the pilgrims.

Swift Rescue Response at Vaishno Devi Landslide Site

Amid the continuous downpour, personnel from the 6th Battalion of the CRPF acted promptly to launch a full-scale rescue operation. The teams evacuated the injured to the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Katra. Stranded devotees were also given medical and logistical support by the troopers.

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh highlighted that while the Tawi river in Jammu had receded, the Chenab river continued to flow dangerously close to the warning level. He added that security forces, including SDRF, NDRF, Army, Air Force, and paramilitary units, were working in close coordination with the local administration to handle the situation.

Government’s Priority: Relief and Restoration Work

Authorities confirmed that their immediate focus is on restoring essential services such as electricity, water supply, and mobile networks, all of which were severely affected. Teams have been working overnight to bring back normalcy.

Schools and colleges in the affected districts have been ordered to remain closed, and the general public has been advised to avoid unnecessary travel to ensure safety. Dr Singh further informed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is personally monitoring the situation and receiving regular updates.

Condolences and Support from Leaders

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed his deepest sympathies to the bereaved families and instructed officials to extend immediate assistance to the injured. He emphasized that every effort would be made to provide relief to those impacted by the tragedy.

The Jammu division has been witnessing continuous rainfall, resulting in frequent shooting stones and landslides across Banihal, Ramban, Udhampur, and Nagrota.

Impact on Travel and Connectivity

The severe weather has also disrupted transportation in the region. Authorities confirmed that the historic Mughal Road, which connects the border districts of Rajouri and Poonch with Shopian in Kashmir valley, will remain closed for vehicular movement due to landslides and mudslides at several locations.

With multiple stretches blocked, traffic across Jammu division has been hit, adding further challenges to the ongoing relief efforts.

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