Jammu & Kashmir: At least 30 people were killed on Tuesday after heavy rains triggered a landslide near the Vaishno Devi shrine in Reasi district, forcing authorities to suspend the ongoing pilgrimage and cancel several train services.
Landslide Strikes Ardhkuwari Route
Officials said the incident occurred around 3 pm near Indraprastha Bhojanalaya at Ardhkuwari, on the main route leading to the Vaishno Devi cave shrine. Pilgrim movement was immediately halted as a safety measure, with authorities monitoring the weather before allowing the yatra to resume.
Train Services Disrupted
Northern Railways confirmed that 22 trains scheduled to operate from Jammu and Katra on Wednesday were cancelled, while 27 others were short-terminated due to the adverse weather. Train services between Pathankot and Kandrori in Himachal Pradesh were also suspended following heavy erosion at the Chakki River.
Relief and Rescue Operations
More than 3,500 residents across Jammu region were evacuated and moved to relief camps. Community kitchens were set up in Muthi and Satwari, and medical teams have been deployed to assist evacuees. The Army dispatched three relief columns to Ardhkuwari, the Katra–Thakra Kot road, and Jaurian. Teams from the NDRF and SDRF are also engaged in rescue efforts across Reasi, Doda, Samba and Jammu districts.
Deputy Commissioner Jammu Rakesh Minhas said restoring electricity, water supply and clearing blocked highways remain the top priorities.
CM Briefs Home Minister
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah spoke to Union Home Minister Amit Shah about the situation, noting that heavy rains have caused severe disruption across the region. Abdullah, who was unable to reach Jammu due to the airport’s closure, said he would travel at the earliest opportunity and is closely monitoring relief measures.
Recent Disasters in the Region
The tragedy comes less than two weeks after a cloudburst in Kishtwar’s Chisoti village killed 65 people, mostly pilgrims headed to the Machail Mata temple, and left more than 100 injured.
Authorities have urged people to remain cautious as rescue and relief work continues in the affected areas.
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