Death Toll from Vaishno Devi Landslide Rises to 34 Amid Ongoing Rescue Efforts
The death toll from a massive landslide on the pilgrimage route to the Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir has risen to 34, with at least 23 others injured. The disaster, triggered by record-breaking rainfall, occurred near Ardhkuwari. Rescue operations involving the Army, CRPF, and local police are continuing as more pilgrims are feared trapped under the debris. The pilgrimage has been suspended, and rail services to Katra have been disrupted due to widespread flooding and soil erosion in the region.
Unpacked:
The Vaishno Devi shrine is one of Hinduism's holiest pilgrimage sites, dedicated to Goddess Vaishno Devi. Located in the Trikuta Hills of Jammu and Kashmir, it attracts millions of devotees annually, who trek a 12-kilometer route to seek the deity's blessings. The pilgrimage is considered spiritually significant and is a major religious event in India.
Some routes, like the Himkoti track, were closed earlier due to heavy rainfall. However, survivors alleged there was no warning for the route where the landslide occurred, and that authorities did not alert pilgrims before the disaster struck. This has raised concerns about the adequacy of early-warning systems for such natural hazards.
Landslides and heavy rains are relatively common in Jammu and Kashmir, especially during the monsoon season (July–September). The mountainous terrain and frequent intense rainfall make the region vulnerable to such disasters, which have disrupted pilgrimages and caused casualties multiple times in past years.
The pilgrimage to the shrine has been suspended, and rail services to Katra, the base town for the trek, have been disrupted due to flooding and soil erosion. Local communities are affected by damaged infrastructure, ongoing rescue operations, and the influx of stranded or injured pilgrims needing assistance.