Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed grief over the loss of lives due to a landslide on the Mata Vaishno Devi Temple route in Jammu and Kashmir amid heavy rains. According to reports, over 30 lives have been lost due to the tragic landslide incident in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district. On Tuesday, the massive landslide, triggered by heavy rains, hit the pilgrimage route at Inderprastha Bhojnalaya at Adhkwar.

“The loss of lives due to a landslide on the route to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Temple is saddening. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover at the earliest. The administration is assisting all those affected. My prayers for everyone’s safety and well-being,” PM Modi said in a post on X.

The landslide occurred approximately midway through the serpentine 12-kilometre journey from Katra town to the mountaintop temple. Two pathways lead to the shrine, although the pilgrimage on the Himkoti trail had been halted since the morning, devotees were still using the traditional path until 1.30 p.m., when officials suspended all movement due to rainfall concerns.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah contacted both Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, pledging complete assistance to the Union Territory’s administration.

Shah in a post on X said, “The landslide tragedy on the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage path in Jammu and Kashmir, caused by intense rainfall, is deeply distressing. I have discussed this matter with Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Minister, Shri Omar Abdullah ji, and Lieutenant Governor, Shri Manoj Sinha ji.”

“Local authorities are actively conducting relief and rescue efforts to help those injured, with NDRF personnel also being deployed to the area,” he added.

Wounded pilgrims have been transferred to Katra’s Community Health Centre (CHC) for treatment.

Intense rainfall has battered the Jammu region for two consecutive days, causing flash flooding throughout the area. The Kashmir Valley has similarly suffered extensive infrastructure damage.

Communication networks have failed across significant portions of the union territory, isolating millions from contact and worsening the crisis, according to officials cited by PTI.

Mumbai: The Hydraulic Engineer’s Department has reported a significant rise in lake levels supplying water to Mumbai, with total water stock across the seven major lakes reaching 96.74% of their full useful capacity. As of 6:00 AM on August 27, 2025, the combined storage stands at 14,00,219 million litres, a healthy sign for the city’s water supply for the upcoming months.

Middle Vaitarna, Modak Sagar, Tulsi, and Vihar lakes are already at 100% storage capacity, with Bhatsa at 95.52% and Upper Vaitarna at 96.60%. The Tansa lake, which saw a minor drop of 0.01 meters in the last 24 hours, remains at a high 99.10% of useful content.

Middle Vaitarna’s gates were opened on August 18, and Upper Vaitarna began releasing water from August 21. These timely measures help regulate overflow and prevent flood risks in the surrounding areas.

Rainfall data shows continued precipitation, with Middle Vaitarna recording 22 mm and Upper Vaitarna 43 mm in the past 24 hours. The total rainfall recorded across all lakes this season so far is 2383.00 mm, with Bhatsa and Tulsi receiving the highest 2467 mm and 3474 mm respectively.

The steady inflow and rainfall ensure that Mumbai is well-positioned to avoid any water cuts this year. Civic authorities remain vigilant, continuously monitoring levels to ensure optimal water management as monsoon conditions persist.

Mumbai Rains Hit Till September 1

Mumbai is preparing for Lord Ganesha’s arrival on August 27, with the IMD forecasting moderate to heavy rainfall throughout the day, prompting a yellow alert for potential waterlogging and traffic disruptions during Ganesh Chaturthi. Commuters should use public transport and leave early to avoid delays. Weather predictions suggest intermittent rains with accumulations of 5–35 mm. The week will see cloudy skies and varying temperatures from 24°C to 28°C, with repeated heavy showers expected impacting crowd management and travel.

A heartbreaking incident was reported in Mira Road today after a slab from the Noorjahan-1 building, located opposite Zudio, collapsed. The mishap claimed the life of a four-year-old child, while the child’s father sustained injuries and has been admitted to Wockhardt Hospital.

The 40-year-old structure has long been flagged for redevelopment, but the project has remained stuck for nearly a decade due to incomplete documentation and disputes with the developer. Residents allege that repeated delays and negligence have left several such buildings in dangerous conditions.

Local citizens are now questioning the inaction of the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) and builders in addressing unsafe and dilapidated structures across the city.

The incident has sparked anger and grief within the community, with many warning that unless urgent measures are taken, more lives could be at risk.

Navi Mumbai: Woman Left Bleeding As Slab Crashes Down In Nerul Flat Amid Relentless Rains

A woman was injured after a portion of a slab collapsed inside a flat at Vighnaharta Society, Sector-1, Nerul, on Wednesday afternoon. She was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she is currently undergoing treatment.

A video of the incident, shows the woman bleeding and visibly shaken following the collapse.

According to civic officials, the structure had already been in a deteriorated state and the recent spell of heavy rainfall further weakened it, leading to the accident. “The slab gave way due to long-standing damage, made worse by continuous rains in the city,” an official confirmed.

The incident has once again raised concerns about the safety of ageing housing societies in Navi Mumbai, many of which have been flagged for urgent repairs.

Authorities must carry out a structural audit of the building in the coming days.