At least 30 killed as landslide strikes Vaishno Devi route during extreme rainfall in Jammu, India
Severe monsoon rains caused a devastating landslide near Katra, Jammu, killing at least 30 pilgrims and prompting widespread flood warnings across Jammu and Kashmir on August 26, 2025.
Satellite image acquired at 11:15 UTC on August 26, 2025. Credit: EUMETSAT/Meteosat, Zoom Earth, The Watchers
Heavy rainfall across India’s northern Himalayan region triggered a devastating landslide near Adhkuwari along the Vaishno Devi shrine route on August 26, killing at least 30 people and forcing the immediate suspension of the pilgrimage. Rescue operations continued through August 27.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported 361.2 mm (14.2 inches) of rain at Met Observatory Jammu between 08:30 and 23:30 IST on August 26, one of the highest single-day totals in recent years.
Multiple rivers, including the Tawi, Chenab and Basantar, flowed above alert levels, inundating low-lying areas. Severe scouring occurred near the fourth Tawi bridge in Jammu, with approach roads damaged, while sections of NH-44 and other highways were rendered impassable.
Authorities reported more than 3 500 people evacuated to safety in Jammu in a multi-agency operation involving the district administration, Police, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the Indian Army. Rail services were disrupted, with 18 trains cancelled on August 26.
Telecommunications were severely impaired after damage to network infrastructure. “Connectivity is almost nonexistent,” said Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, on August 27.
In Kashmir Valley, officials reported the Sheshnag Nallah at Betaab Valley (Pahalgam) exceeding its highest recorded level, while the Jhelum River continued to rise, prompting flood advisories.
The Jammu district administration ordered all government and private schools closed as heavy rain persisted.
This week’s impacts follow mid-August flooding in Kishtwar district that left at least 60 dead and over 200 missing after cloudburst-driven flash floods.
Teo Blašković founded The Watchers in 2011 and edited it until 2026, covering seismic and volcanic activity, extreme weather, space weather and near-Earth objects. Articles on this page are his archive.
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