Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives caused by a massive landslide near Ardhkuwari on the route to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir’s Katra. The Prime Minister conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families and wished for the speedy recovery of those injured. He assured that the administration is providing full assistance to the affected individuals.

The region has been severely impacted by heavy rainfall and flash floods, which have caused large-scale damage to infrastructure and disrupted normal life across the Kashmir Valley. On Tuesday, a cloudburst in Jammu’s Doda district triggered flash floods, resulting in multiple casualties.

According to reports, at least 33 people have lost their lives in the landslide near the Vaishno Devi shrine, making it one of the deadliest natural disasters in the area in recent times. The calamity has also disrupted transportation, with landslides forcing the cancellation of several train services.

Authorities suspended operations on the down line between Pathankot Cantt and Kandrori due to soil erosion caused by the overflowing Chakki River. Train movement between Jammu Tawi–Katra and Jammu Tawi–Bari Brahman was also halted, while four trains were short-terminated and short-originated to manage the crisis.

Adding to the chaos, Jammu witnessed the collapse of the Fourth Tawi Bridge at Bhagwati Nagar after continuous heavy rainfall caused the river’s water level to surge. Several vehicles were stranded before the bridge gave way, raising serious concerns about the structural safety of the region’s infrastructure.

Authorities are on high alert, and rescue operations are underway as the situation continues to evolve amid unpredictable weather conditions.