Heavy and continuous rainfall has triggered a devastating landslide near the Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in the deaths of at least 30 people.
Details of the Incident
- Death Toll Confirmed: SSP Reasi Paramvir Singh confirmed to news agency ANI that 30 people have died in the landslide. The incident occurred on the pilgrimage route to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine.
- Rescue and Relief Efforts: In response to the tragedy, Union Home Minister Amit Shah called the incident “extremely tragic.” He confirmed that he has spoken with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, assuring them of full support from the Centre. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams were immediately dispatched to the site to assist in the rescue and relief efforts.
- CRPF’s Role: Troopers from the 6th Battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were among the first responders. They quickly launched rescue operations, evacuating the injured to the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Katra and providing essential medical and logistical support to stranded pilgrims.
- Widespread Disruption: The heavy rainfall has caused widespread disruption across the Jammu region. The pilgrimage to the Vaishno Devi shrine has been suspended, and 22 trains have been cancelled due to flash floods and soil erosion. Additionally, the Jammu-Srinagar national highway and several other roads have been blocked by landslides.
The incident is part of a broader weather-related crisis in the region, which has seen continuous heavy rainfall leading to flash floods, swollen rivers, and further landslides. Authorities have issued advisories urging people to stay away from water bodies and landslide-prone areas.
