SRINAGAR, Aug. 27 -- As many as 30 pilgrims have lost their lives after heavy rains triggered massive landslides near the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Reasi district of Jammu region.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah who flew to Jammu to take stock of the flood situation, confirmed the toll.

"Around 29 to 30 people have died..." he told reporters in Jammu.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi while expressing grief at the tragedy, said the administration is assisting all those affected.

"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 prayer...