New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu expressed deep sorrow after a devastating landslide near the Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu & Kashmir killed at least 32 people, injuring around 20 others, and prompted immediate rescue and relief efforts.
A tragic turn on a sacred pilgrimage route
The landslide struck midway on the 12-kilometre trek from Katra to the revered Mata Vaishno Devi temple, triggered by relentless monsoon rains. The catastrophe halted the pilgrimage (yatra), disrupted train services, and damaged communication networks, while rescue teams worked to reach victims under unstable conditions.
National leaders offer sympathy and assurance
Describing the incident as “saddening,” PM Modi extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wished a swift recovery for the injured. He emphasised that the administration was “assisting all those affected” and offered prayers for everyone’s safety and well-being.
President Murmu termed the tragedy “extremely distressing” and prayed for the success of rescue operations and strength for the affected communities.
Relief ramped up from ground zero
Rescue efforts are in full swing, with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and paramilitary units coordinating evacuation and aid. The Jammu and Kashmir government announced an ex-gratia of ₹6 lakh for each bereaved family and allocated a ₹10 crore relief fund to district collectors for immediate assistance.
Broader monsoon fury compounding the crisis
The landslide is part of a larger monsoon-driven disaster across the Himalayan region. In just one day, Jammu received a staggering 368 mm of rainfall, leading to flash floods, landslides, and the overflow of rivers like the Tawi, Chenab, and Basantar. Schools remain closed, infrastructure has been damaged, and thousands are displaced.
Conclusion
As rescue operations continue and prayers pour in from across the nation, the landslide serves as a grim reminder of the intensifying monsoon threat. The road ahead now hinges on restoring critical services, rebuilding infrastructure, and ensuring that pilgrims and locals are better protected against future calamities.