After Massive Landslide, Vaishno Devi Pilgrims Stranded; NDRF, Army on Mission

National News: The Jammu region was hit by devastating rain and landslides on Tuesday. Rivers swelled with strong currents, and stones, rocks, and trees came crashing down from the hill slopes. So far 30 devotees have died in this disaster. The biggest accident took place in the Trikuta hills of Reasi district, where people were buried under debris on the way to the Mata Vaishno Devi temple.

Scene of death near Ardhkunwari

At around 3 pm, the ground caved in near Indraprastha Bhojanalay in Ardhkunwari. Devotees got trapped in it in no time. The relief team has so far recovered 30 bodies, but the administration fears that the death toll may increase further. Police, administration, NDRF, SDRF, and the army are engaged in relief work at the spot.

Communication disrupted, Yatra postponed

The situation in the Jammu and Kashmir Valley has worsened due to continuous rain. Many bridges were washed away, and communication services came to a halt due to the falling of electric poles and mobile towers. In view of the serious situation, the Vaishno Devi Yatra had to be stopped. The Jammu-Srinagar and Kishtwar-Doda national highways are closed. Many trains also had to be cancelled.

Army on rescue front

Army and NDRF teams are handling the situation in Katra, Thakur Kot, and Jourian. People are being evacuated safely with the help of boats. The injured are being treated continuously in hospitals, and a large number of people are gathering at the base camp to get news of their relatives.

Chief Minister's order

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called an emergency meeting and directed the officials to remain on high alert. He said that providing food, medicines, and water to the affected families on time is the first priority of the administration.

Rainfall figures and alerts

The Meteorological Department said that in the last 24 hours, 155.6 mm of rain was recorded in Kathua, 99.8 mm in Bhaderwah of Doda, 81.5 mm in Jammu, and 68.8 mm in Katra. The department has issued an alert of heavy rain, cloudbursts, and landslides till August 27.

Schools closed, appeal for vigilance

All government and private schools in the Jammu division will remain closed till August 27. Examinations and the recruitment process have been postponed for the time being. The administration has appealed to the people to stay away from landslides and water bodies and take shelter in safe places.