Jammu— A day of devotion turned into one of despair as a massive landslide struck near the revered Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, leaving at least 34 people dead and dozens more injured, according to officials. Triggered by days of unrelenting monsoon rains, the landslide struck the pilgrimage route and nearby settlements, sweeping away homes, pathways, and parts of the hillside into a torrent of mud and rock.
Panic gripped pilgrims and locals as the ground shook, staircases collapsed, and large boulders tumbled down the slopes. Survivors described scenes of chaos, with families separated, screams for help echoing through the valley, and many trapped under debris. “We were walking up towards the shrine when suddenly the earth began sliding. People were running, some fell… everything was covered in mud within minutes,” recalled a pilgrim who managed to escape.
Rescue operations began within minutes as the Army, NDRF, SDRF, and local police rushed to the site. Helicopters were pressed into service to airlift the injured, while sniffer dogs and excavators worked tirelessly to trace those still buried. Despite poor visibility and continuing rain, teams braved treacherous conditions, carrying stretchers through slippery terrain. Officials confirmed that over 70 people have been rescued so far, though the toll is expected to rise.
The Jammu and Kashmir administration has declared an emergency in the area, with all pilgrimages temporarily suspended. Authorities have urged devotees not to travel until further notice. Schools and government offices in surrounding districts have been shut, while railway services remain disrupted due to flooding and landslides on key routes. Communication networks have also been hit, leaving anxious families struggling to contact loved ones.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed deep grief, assuring all possible support for relief efforts. The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir announced an ex-gratia of ₹5 lakh for the families of the deceased and free medical aid for the injured. “This is a tragedy of immense proportions. Our priority is saving lives and restoring essential services,” he said.
Meteorological officials have warned of continued heavy rainfall in the coming days, raising fears of fresh landslides and flash floods. Experts point to fragile mountain ecology and unplanned construction as key factors that amplify the risks during extreme weather events. Environmentalists stress that the disaster underscores the urgent need for sustainable development in pilgrimage zones that witness millions of visitors annually.
For now, grief and resilience mark the valley. As search and rescue operations stretch into the night, exhausted families cling to hope, waiting for news of loved ones while volunteers hand out food, water, and blankets to the displaced. The Vaishno Devi shrine — a symbol of faith and spiritual strength — stands untouched, but the journey to it has turned into one of the most tragic in recent memory.
