Vaishno Devi Landslide Updates: 7 dead, Indian Army jawans reach Katra to join rescue work at Adhkwari cave

The water level of the Tawi river rises after heavy rainfall in Jammu. (PTI Photo)

Massive rescue operation is underway near Adhkwari in Vaishno Devi dhaam after a landslide stuck the area on Tuesday. The officials have confirmed death of seven devotees. Rescuers say that 14 people have been injured in the Tuesday's incident and taken to a nearby hospital in Katra.

Jai Mata Di
In an unfortunate incident of landslide at Adhkwari, 5 people have lost their lives and 14 others have been injured.
Rescue operations underway.#VaishnoDevi #YatraUpdate

— Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (@OfficialSMVDSB) August 26, 2025

Initial reports also suggest that several people are feared trapped. The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board said rescue operations are underway with sufficient manpower and machinery deployed. Battery car services have been halted as a safety measure. Latest updates say that the jawans of the Indian Army have also joined the rescue operations. 

Situation has been alarming in entire Jammu due to incessant rains. As per PTI report, three people lost their lives and more than two dozen houses and bridges were damaged as relentless rains lashed Jammu, causing most water bodies to flow above the danger mark and submerging several low-lying areas and roads, officials said.

A landslide incident has occurred near Inderprastha Bhojnalaya at Adhkwari, some injuries are feared. Rescue operations are underway along with required manpower and machinery.

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Jai Mata Di#VaishnoDevi #YatraUpdate

— Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (@OfficialSMVDSB) August 26, 2025

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described the situation across many parts of Jammu province as “quite serious” and announced that he would take the next available flight from Srinagar to Jammu to personally oversee relief and response efforts.

#WhiteKnightCorps | #HADR #JammuFloods #Katra

Update: Relief Operations: Katra

Relief Column of #WhiteKnightCorps at Ardhkuwari, Katra in concert with rescue parties of Shrine board, JKP and CRPF are assisting the victims of landslide. Close coordination with all agencies being… pic.twitter.com/FuF4e842FT

— White Knight Corps (@Whiteknight_IA) August 26, 2025

Traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar and Kishtwar-Doda national highways has been suspended, while numerous hilly roads remain blocked or damaged due to landslides and flash floods. Officials added that the pilgrimage to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine has also been halted as a precautionary measure.

According to officials, three deaths have been reported in rain-related incidents—two in Gandoh and one in Thathri—while 15 houses and four bridges were damaged. Reports of widespread destruction to both public and private property have also come in from high-altitude districts including Kishtwar, Reasi, Rajouri, Ramban, and Poonch. Authorities said the full extent of damage will only become clear after ground assessments.

Earlier, the chief minister chaired a meeting in Srinagar to review flood mitigation measures and instructed officials to remain on high alert, take all necessary steps, and make additional funds available to deputy commissioners for emergency restoration and relief work.

On social media, Abdullah wrote, “The situation in many parts of Jammu province is quite serious. I’ll be taking the next available flight from Srinagar to Jammu to personally monitor the developing situation. In the meantime, instructions have been issued to place additional funds at the disposal of DCs to cover emergency restoration work and other exigencies.”

Officials said the Modhopur barrage has crossed the one lakh cusec mark and continues to rise, triggering heavy flooding in several low-lying areas along the Ravi river in Kathua district. Water levels in the Taranah, Ujh, Maggar Khad, Sahar Khad, Basenter (Samba), and the Tawi and Chenab rivers have also breached danger levels.

Police and civil authorities have been making repeated announcements, urging residents to avoid flooded rivers and move to safer locations. District-wise emergency helplines have also been issued for immediate assistance.

The Meteorological Department reported that Kathua district received the heaviest rainfall in the region—155.6 mm in the last 24 hours ending 8:30 am—followed by Bhaderwah in Doda (99.8 mm), Jammu (81.5 mm), and Katra (68.8 mm).

(With PTI inputs)