Vaishno Devi Yatra Turns Tragic: 30 Dead in Landslide, Jammu Cut Off from India
Katra(The Uttam Hindu): A devastating landslide near the Ardhkuwari area on the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage route has claimed the lives of at least 30 people, with the toll expected to rise as rescue operations continue. Many pilgrims are still trapped at different spots.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has urged devotees to postpone their journey due to continuous rainfall and dangerous weather conditions. SSP Reasi Parampreet Singh confirmed that apart from the landslide deaths, three devotees were swept away after their car plunged into the Chenani Nallah in Jammu. The victims include two pilgrims from Dholpur (Rajasthan) and one from Agra (Uttar Pradesh).
Heavy rains since Sunday have left Jammu facing flood-like conditions, crippling road and rail connectivity with the rest of the country. Rivers Overflowing: Tawi, Chenab, and Ujh are flowing above danger levels. Bridges Damaged: A lane of the Bhagwati Nagar Bridge on the Tawi collapsed, while traffic on two other bridges was suspended as a precaution.
The Jammu-Pathankot National Highway has been hit due to a collapsed bridge near Kathua, and later the Devika Bridge near AIIMS Vijaypur also caved in, forcing a complete shutdown of road movement.
In Samba, Army personnel rescued seven members of the nomadic Gujjar community trapped in rising river waters. The Jammu administration has imposed restrictions, prohibiting unnecessary movement after 9 PM on Tuesday amid warnings of further heavy rainfall. All schools and colleges in Jammu Division will remain closed on 27 August.