Daijiworld Media Network- Jammu
Jammu, Aug 27: In a major tragedy, at least 30 devotees lost their lives after incessant rainfall triggered a massive landslide along the Vaishno Devi shrine route in Katra, Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, on Wednesday morning.
Reasi SSP Paramvir Singh confirmed the casualties and said that rescue operations were underway at the site. The landslide struck at a time when hundreds of pilgrims were trekking towards the revered shrine.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah termed the incident “extremely tragic” and assured full support from the Centre. Taking to X, Shah said he had spoken to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, while directing the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to rush teams for immediate relief work.
“The landslide incident caused by heavy rains on the Vaishno Devi Yatra route in Jammu and Kashmir is extremely tragic. I have spoken with the Chief Minister and Lieutenant Governor. Relief and rescue operations are underway, and NDRF teams are reaching the site,” Shah stated in his post.
Meanwhile, troopers of the 6th Battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) responded promptly and rescued several injured pilgrims. The victims were shifted to the Community Health Centre (CHC), Katra. CRPF personnel also assisted stranded devotees and extended medical as well as logistical support.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, expressing grief over the incident, conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and directed officials to ensure immediate assistance.
“Deeply distressed to know that an unfortunate landslide triggered by incessant rain claimed the lives of devotees at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine. My condolences to the bereaved families. Prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured. Directed officials to provide immediate assistance,” the LG Office posted on X.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Doppler Weather Radar imagery from Jammu at 5:10 am indicated widespread and intense thunderstorm activity over the region, warning of further heavy rainfall.