The death toll in the Vaishno Devi landslide has surged to 32, officials stated on Wednesday, as rescue teams continue to search through debris following a massive landslide that struck the Adhkuwari area of the pilgrimage route in Reasi district, Jammu and Kashmir, reported PTI.

The landslide, triggered by incessant rainfall, occurred around 3 pm on Tuesday, causing rocks, boulders, and debris to tumble down unexpectedly near Inderprastha Bhojnalaya, midway along the 12-km trek from Katra to the Vaishno Devi shrine. The pilgrimage (yatra) was immediately suspended.

At least 20 others were injured in the Vaishno Devi landslide, many of whom are being treated in hospitals across the region, reported PTI. While 30 bodies were recovered from the site, two injured victims later succumbed, taking the toll to 32.