Death toll rises to 30 in Vaishnodevi shrine landslide

Jammu, Aug 27: Thirty people have died in a landslide near the Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra belt of Reasi district in Jammu and Kashmir, after heavy rains hit the region.

According to a senior police officer, the landslide occurred at the Inderprastha Bhojnalaya at Adhkwari, on the route to the cave temple last evening.

The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) confirmed the incident, stating that rescue operations were immediately initiated.

The relentless rain also caused significant disruption to local railway services, leading to the cancellation of 18 trains due to soil erosion and flash floods in the Chakki river.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah described the incident as “extremely tragic.” He has been in contact with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. Shah confirmed that National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams were dispatched to the scene to assist with rescue and relief efforts.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also spoke with the Home Minister, briefing him on the extensive damage caused by the continuous rainfall in the Jammu province and the ongoing efforts to restore connectivity.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and directed officials to provide immediate aid to the injured. He also urged residents to follow advisories as the situation is being monitored across the Jammu division.