Many people have lost their lives after heavy rains triggered a massive landslide on the route to the Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir. Heavy rains triggered a landslide near the Vaishno Devi Shrine in Katra yesterday, SSP Reasi, Paramvir Singh, confirmed the deaths.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the loss of lives due to a landslide on the route to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Temple. In a social media post, Mr Modi said the administration is assisting all those affected. He wished for the speedy recovery of those injured in this accident. The Prime Minister also prayed for everyone’s safety and well-being.
In the wake of continuous rainfall, troopers from the 6th Battalion of the CRPF responded swiftly, launched rescue operations and evacuated the injured to the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Katra. The team also assisted stranded pilgrims and provided essential medical and logistical support. Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said in a social media post that the level of the river Tawi in Jammu has receded, but the river Chenab continues to flow close to the danger mark. The Minister said, SDRF, NDRF, Paramilitary, Army and Air Force authorities are closely coordinating with the civil administration.
He said that the immediate priority is restoration of electricity, water supply and mobile services, for which the authorities have been working continuously overnight. He said, schools and colleges have been ordered to remain closed, and the general public is advised to refrain from non-essential movement for their safety. The Minister informed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is personally following up on the situation and receiving updates.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed condolences to the families and directed officials to provide immediate assistance to those injured in the accident. Meanwhile, day by day, following incessant rains that triggered shooting stones and landslides at multiple locations between Banihal, Ramban, Udhampur and Nagrota in Jammu division.
The historic Mughal road connecting the twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch in the Jammu division with the Shopian district in the Kashmir valley shall also remain closed for vehicular traffic amid landslides and mudslides at multiple locations.
