Vaishno Devi Yatra suspended after deadly landslide, 5 killed, 14 hurt; schools closed in Jammu division amid heavy rains
PTC Web Desk: Relentless heavy rain triggered a major landslide on the route to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district on Tuesday, killing at least five persons and injuring 14 others. Several others were feared trapped as massive boulders and rocks tumbled down the Trikuta hills around 3 pm near Inderprastha Bhojnalaya at Adhkwari, midway along the 12-km trek from Katra to the shrine.
The authorities immediately suspended the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage, halting movement on both the old and Himkoti trek routes. Rescue operations by the NDRF, SDRF, and shrine board officials are underway to trace and evacuate those still stranded.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, in a statement, confirmed the fatalities and injuries. “In an unfortunate incident of landslide at Adhkwari, five persons have lost their lives and 14 others injured. Rescue operations are ongoing,” the board posted on X.
Eyewitnesses described the panic that followed the sudden collapse of the hillside.
The landslide came after three consecutive days of torrential rainfall that has caused widespread damage across Jammu and adjoining areas. With rivers swelling and flood-like conditions emerging in many parts, the Jammu administration ordered all government and private schools to remain closed on August 27, 2025.
Officials have urged devotees and locals to stay indoors, avoid vulnerable routes, and follow weather advisories strictly until conditions improve.
- With inputs from agencies
