Tragic Landslide Claims Lives of 30 Pilgrims Near Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine

Devastating Landslide Hits Pilgrimage Route

Jammu: A tragic landslide occurred on the pilgrimage route to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Reasi district, resulting in the deaths of at least 30 individuals and injuring 14 others. This incident coincided with rising water levels in rivers across the Jammu division and the Jhelum River in Kashmir, which exceeded flood thresholds on Wednesday.

The calamity struck on Tuesday, prompting immediate rescue operations to evacuate stranded pilgrims near Adhkwari. Authorities have suspended the Yatra until further notice.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Jammu and Kashmir's Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed their sorrow over the incident, directing all necessary relief efforts to assist the affected pilgrims and extending condolences to the families of the deceased.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah took to social media platform X to share his frustrations regarding communication issues in the area, noting that mobile data was limited and that he felt disconnected, reminiscent of the challenging times in 2014 and 2019.

In a related incident, twin cloudbursts caused flash floods in the Margi region of Warwan Valley, Kishtwar district, destroying at least 10 homes, damaging over 300 kanals of crops, and affecting livestock and infrastructure.

Reports indicate that around 60 houses were inundated, forcing families to seek refuge under tarpaulin tents on nearby hills.

Due to poor phone connectivity in Warwan and Marwah valleys, locals managed to send distress signals requesting urgent rescue and relief.

The remote Warwan valley, which houses nearly 40,000 residents across 50 villages, remains isolated from Kishtwar district headquarters. Residents are urging authorities to accelerate relief efforts.

The River Tawi in Udhampur was recorded at 36.1 feet at 6 a.m., surpassing the Evacuation Level by nearly 13 feet and exceeding the highest level recorded during the 2014 floods.

At 5:30 a.m., the Chenab River at Akhnoor reached 43 feet, just above the Evacuation Level.

Authorities have declared a flood warning for the Jhelum River in the Valley, as it was flowing above the danger mark at Ram Munshibagh in Srinagar this morning.

Water has inundated low-lying areas in Jammu city, including the parking area of the Jammu railway station.

Adverse weather conditions have blocked several major routes, including the Srinagar-Jammu national highway, Srinagar-Leh, and others, leading to landslides and fresh snowfall.

In Jammu district, all educational institutions and government offices, except those involved in flood relief, will remain closed today, as per the District Magistrate's order.

In the Valley, educational institutions in Anantnag, Kulgam, Pulwama, Shopian, Budgam, and Srinagar are also closed due to the severe weather.

Fiber and landline services provided by BSNL are down, causing significant communication issues as mobile signals are nearly non-existent. Telecom operators have cited multiple fiber cuts as the cause of the disruption.

"We are working to restore network services as quickly as possible," they stated.