A devastating landslide struck near the Vaishno Devi temple in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district. The incident occurred around 3 pm on Tuesday when heavy rains triggered the massive slide near Inderprastha Bhojnalaya at Adhkuwari, halfway along the 12-km trek from Katra to the shrine.
Officials confirmed that more than 30 people lost their lives, while at least 20 others were injured in the tragedy. Rescue teams rushed to the spot to pull people out of the debris.
Shrine Board Steps In
BJP MP Jugal Kishore Sharma confirmed that the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has taken responsibility for the victims.
“People injured in the landslide near Vaishno Devi temple are getting good treatment…14 people are undergoing treatment at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital…More than 30 people have lost their lives, and the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has taken the responsibility of sending the bodies to their native places,” Sharma told ANI.
The Shrine Board will ensure that families of the deceased receive the remains in their hometowns.
Injured Receive Medical Care
BJP MLA Baldev Raj Sharma confirmed that the injured are being treated with priority. “People injured in the landslide near Vaishno Devi temple are getting good treatment…34 people have lost their lives in this incident,” he said.
Doctors at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital are providing specialized care. Many of the injured remain in critical condition.
LG Manoj Sinha Reviews Relief Operations
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha chaired a high-level meeting to review rescue and relief work. He directed officials to ensure that all low-lying flood-affected residents are evacuated.
ALSO READ: Vaishno Devi Death Toll Hits 32, Administration Slammed for Ignoring Warnings
Restoring vital services like electricity, potable water, meals, medical care, and a communication network was another point he emphasized. He directed the construction of alternate routes for traffic and the prompt repair of National Highway roads and bridges.
The LG further instructed health officials to prepare hospitals for a possible rise in waterborne diseases after the floods and landslides.
Growing Concern Over Safety Along Trek
Concerns regarding safety precautions along the Vaishno Devi hike have been heightened by this tragedy, and on the steep path while going to Vaishno Devi, pilgrims frequently encounter landslides, flash floods, and crowds. To safeguard pilgrims amid intense rains, experts have suggested that authorities bolster infrastructure and implement a cutting-edge landslide warning system.
For millions of pilgrims, the Vaishno Devi shrine remains a spiritual lifeline. But the disaster highlights how vulnerable the route is to nature’s fury.
