A pilgrimage to the holy shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi turned tragic on today after a devastating landslide struck near the Inderprastha Bhojnalaya at Ardhkuwari, a key stop on the route. The incident has resulted in the death of five pilgrims, with at least 14 others sustaining injuries.
The landslide, triggered by heavy overnight rainfall, occurred when an estimated 12 to 15 pilgrims were present at the site. Emergency response was immediately launched, with rescue teams deploying full manpower and machinery to sift through the debris in a race against time.
Immediate Response and Rescue Efforts
Initial reports confirm that two bodies were recovered first and shifted to the Katra hospital for post-mortem. Several critically injured individuals were also rushed to medical facilities for urgent treatment. Rescue operations are ongoing, with teams from the local administration, police, and the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board working in coordination to manage the crisis effectively.
The Shrine Board is actively monitoring the situation and has taken swift action to prevent further tragedy. In the interest of pilgrim safety, the Vaishno Devi Yatra has been temporarily suspended until the situation stabilizes and the path is deemed safe.
Weather Warnings and Wider Regional Impact
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a red alert for several districts in Jammu and Kashmir, including Kathua, Samba, Doda, Jammu, Ramban, and Kishtwar, warning of intense rainfall. The heavy downpour has led to rivers across the Union Territory swelling beyond danger levels, significantly increasing the threat of flash floods and further landslides.
The regional impact of the extreme weather is severe. In the Doda district, cloudbursts at two locations have washed away sections of NH 244. Deputy Commissioner Harvinder Singh reported that flash floods have claimed three additional lives in the district—two in Gandhoh and one in the Thathri subdivision. The floods have also damaged at least 15 residential houses, several cow sheds, a private health centre, and washed away three footbridges.
The water level in the Chenab River is rising alarmingly, prompting the deployment of State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams in vulnerable areas. The administration has issued advisories urging residents, particularly those living near riverbanks, to remain alert and avoid unnecessary travel.
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