Vaishno Devi Landslide: Jammu and Kashmir is reeling under massive landslides and flash floods triggered by torrential rains. At least 35 people have died and more than 60 have been injured in the incident. The victims included nine Vaishno Devi pilgrims who were trapped under debris on the holy route to the temple.
Deadly landslide on Vaishno Devi route
On Tuesday afternoon, a tragedy struck midway along the 12-km long journey from Katra to Mata Vaishno Devi temple. Pilgrims were swept away in a massive landslide that occurred around 3 pm near the Indraprastha Bhojanalaya in Ardhkumwari, killing nine devotees and injuring 14 others.
Eyewitnesses said that suddenly boulders and pieces of soil fell, burying many devotees under the debris. Rescue teams rushed to the spot while three relief columns of the Army’s White Knight Corps were deployed to evacuate people and provide medical aid.
The pilgrimage was immediately halted and officials confirmed that several people may still be trapped under the debris.
Floods and house collapses in Doda
Apart from the Vaishno Devi route, heavy rains also wreaked havoc in Doda district, where four more people died in flash floods and house collapses in Gandoh, Thathri and Bhaderwah areas. The torrential rains have also caused massive damage to houses and infrastructure in the Jammu region.
Transport and connectivity badly hit
Due to frequent landslides and waterlogging, traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway and Kishtwar-Doda highway has been halted. Several rural roads were blocked, cutting off entire villages. Train services to and from Jammu were also cancelled, adding to the crisis.
There have been reports of extensive damage from Reasi, Rajouri, Ramban, Poonch and Kishtwar districts, but officials say the actual damage will be known only after a ground assessment.
Rising water level in rivers poses a major threat
Almost all rivers in Jammu and Kashmir have crossed the danger mark. Rivers like Tawi, Chenab, Ujh and Tarana are in spate, inundating low-lying areas and forcing authorities to issue advisories for people to move to safer places.
The Jammu and Kashmir Disaster Management Authority has warned of more flash floods in Doda, Jammu, Kathua, Samba, Udhampur and Kishtwar till Wednesday.
Government response and emergency measures
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described the situation as “grave” and chaired an emergency meeting with top officials. He directed the district administration to remain on high alert and released additional emergency funds for immediate restoration work.
The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education has also postponed Class 10 and 11 exams scheduled for Wednesday in the wake of the disaster.
Weather warning
The Srinagar-based meteorological centre has forecast more rain in the next 48 hours, raising the possibility of more landslides and flash floods. Authorities have appealed to residents of flood-prone areas to immediately move to safer places.
Human tragedy amid reverence
The Vaishno Devi pilgrimage route, usually visited by lakhs of devotees every year, has now become an epicentre of mourning. Families of the victims have gathered in Katra and authorities are continuing search and rescue operations.
The disaster highlights the fragile ecosystem of the hill districts of Jammu, where torrential rains often trigger landslides and floods, posing a constant threat to both residents and pilgrims.
The Vaishno Devi landslide and Jammu floods have once again highlighted the region’s vulnerability to extreme weather events. As relief and rescue operations continue, prayers and hopes are in order for those stranded and injured. With rivers flowing above the danger level and more rain forecast, authorities are on high alert to prevent further loss of lives.