The rain-triggered landslide on the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage route in Jammu, which has left at least 30 pilgrims dead, many critically injured, and others missing, has evoked support for the victims’ families from all sides.

While the J&K Chief Minister was duty-bound to offer condolences and express his sadness over the deaths of pilgrims, he also raised a question on why the pilgrimage was not stopped despite heavy rainfall in the region.

He annoubnced an ex-gratia relief of Rs 6 lakh for the next of the kin of each person killed in the tragedy. However, speaking to the local media, Omar Abdullah wondered why the Shrin managing board had not stopped the pilgrimage despite an alert. "He however said this has to be discussed later."

Condolence messages are coming from all Muslim organizations and leaders. They have not only expressed grief but also offered all possible support to the affected families.

Deeply pained by the tragic landslide at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine,caused by relentless rains,which claimed the precious lives .My heartfelt prayers for eternal peace to the departed souls &strength to their grieving families. Wishing a speedy recovery to all those injured.

— Shenaz Ganai (@ShenazGanai) August 27, 2025

Imam Jamaluddin of Faridabad said that this incident is very sad and painful. He said that at such times, not religion or community, but humanity must prevail.

He said he was ready to provide all possible help.

J&K leader Altaf Bukhari has expressed his shock on the tragedy:

Deeply shocked and saddened to hear that the death toll from the Mata Vaishno Devi landslide has risen to 32.

This tragedy is truly beyond words. My heartfelt condolences go out to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones in this unimaginable disaster. May they find…

— Altaf Bukhari (@SMAltafBukhari) August 27, 2025

Naushad Akhtar Hashmi, Treasurer of Bihar's Falah Millat Society and Gurugram-based APJ Abdul Kalam Memorial Trust, said that Vaishno Devi Yatra is not only the center of faith for Hindu devotees, but it is also a symbol of India's shared cultural heritage. “The pain of any person associated with this Yatra is the pain of all of us.

Former Mayor of Srinagar Junaid Azim Matu has expressed his shock at the loss of lives in the Vaishno Devi shrine tragedy:

Deeply saddened to hear of the loss of lives due to a landslide in the Trikuta Hills leading up to Mata Vaishno Devi shrine.

My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for those injured.

— Junaid Azim Mattu (@Junaid_Mattu) August 26, 2025

Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) Vice President Professor Salim Engineer issued a detailed statement saying that the loss of life due to the massive landslide near Ardhkunwari is extremely sad.

He said, "We express our heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones.

Prof. Engineer urged the Central and State Governments to speed up the rescue and relief operations. He said that NDRF, SDRF, Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and local volunteers have shown commendable readiness, but the challenge is still big. It is very important to speed up the operations to find the missing people and provide immediate medical facilities to the injured.

JIH Vice President Prof. Salim Engineer Expresses Grief Over Tragic Landslide on Vaishno Devi Route

New Delhi: The Vice President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH), Prof Salim Engineer, has expressed deep sorrow and solidarity over the devastating landslide that struck the Vaishno… pic.twitter.com/VxofYxFfZJ

— Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (@JIHMarkaz) August 27, 2025

Prof. Engineer also emphasized long-term preparation and policy making, not limited only to immediate relief operations. He said that the government should prepare a comprehensive disaster management strategy to deal with landslides, flash floods, and other natural disasters.

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It should have clear and effective standard operating procedures (SOPs) so that a quick response can be given in case of emergency, and loss of life and property can be kept to a minimum.