J&K Tragic Landslides Prompt Solidarity from Bengal

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Trinamool Congress (TMC) General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee expressed deep concern over the catastrophic landslides and floods triggered by record rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir on August 25-26, 2025. The disaster, which claimed 36 lives, including 32 from a landslide on the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage route in Reasi district, has left a trail of destruction across the Union Territory, prompting heartfelt condolences and prayers from the Bengal leaders.

Mamata Banerjee took to X to convey her anguish over the devastation, stating, “The natural disasters in Jammu and Kashmir have kept us worried, and I express my solidarity for the people there.” She mourned the loss of lives, particularly the 32 victims of the Vaishno Devi landslide near Inderprastha Bhojnalaya at Ardhkuwari, and four others killed in Doda district. Banerjee extended condolences to the bereaved families, wished for the speedy recovery of the 20 injured, and prayed for the safety of those stranded, invoking blessings from Maa Vaishno Devi for strength and healing.

Abhishek Banerjee echoed her sentiments, posting on X, “I am deeply anguished by the tragic landslide near Inderprastha Bhojnalaya on the Vaishno Devi route.” He offered condolences to the affected families, prayed for the injured, and sought divine support for those impacted, emphasizing resilience in this hour of grief. Their statements reflect a shared commitment to supporting Jammu and Kashmir during this crisis, aligning with national leaders like Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who also expressed solidarity.

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The relentless rains, with Jammu recording 380 mm in 24 hours—the highest since 1910—caused landslides, flash floods, and widespread infrastructure damage. The Jhelum River breached flood alert levels in Anantnag and Srinagar, flooding residential areas. Over 10,000 people were evacuated, and critical infrastructure, including bridges, roads, mobile towers, and power lines, was severely damaged. Telecom services collapsed across large areas, isolating millions, though restoration began on August 27. The Jammu-Srinagar highway and 58 train services remain suspended, exacerbating the crisis.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, after briefing PM Modi, noted a slight reprieve as rains subsided on August 27, allowing relief efforts to intensify. The disaster follows a deadly cloudburst in Kishtwar on August 14, which killed 65, highlighting the region’s vulnerability to extreme weather. Mamata and Abhishek’s outreach underscores the national unity in addressing this tragedy, with calls for robust relief and long-term infrastructure resilience to combat recurring climate-driven disasters.

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