The landslide that occurred on the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage route in Jammu and Kashmir on August 26 has claimed 32 lives so far. Rescue operations are underway, PM Modi has expressed grief, and the Air Force and NDRF are assisting in the efforts.
Katra: The death toll in the landslide that struck Vaishno Devi in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday (August 26) has reached 32. According to officials, rescue teams are working continuously to extricate people trapped under the debris near Ardhkuwari on the Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage route. The incident occurred approximately midway along the 12-kilometer winding path from Katra city to the temple. Several pilgrims and local people are trapped in this landslide, and efforts to rescue them are ongoing.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the incident on social media platforms and conveyed his condolences to the affected families. The administration and relief agencies are consistently conducting rescue operations in the affected areas.
Air Force and Rescue Teams Launch Rescue Operation
Immediately after the incident, an Indian Air Force C-130 transport aircraft reached Jammu, carrying rescue and relief supplies. This aircraft departed from Hindon Airbase in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. Additionally, Chinook and Mi-17 V5 helicopters have been deployed at airbases around Jammu, Udhampur, Srinagar, and Pathankot.
NDRF and SDRF teams are continuously working to remove debris and move people to safety to rescue devotees trapped near the Indraprastha Bhojanalaya near Ardhkuwari. Officials say that rain is causing difficulties in the relief work, but the rescue operation is continuing relentlessly.
Vaishno Devi Yatra Suspended Due to Rain
There are two routes to reach the Vaishno Devi temple. The journey on the Himkoti route was suspended from the morning, while the journey on the old route continued until 1.30 pm. Authorities decided to postpone it for the safety of the passengers after the rain intensified.
Heavy rains continued for the fourth day in many parts of Jammu and Kashmir, causing floods and dangerous conditions in the lower areas. The administration has moved thousands of people from flooded areas to safer places.
Jitendra Singh Informed About Relief Work in Jammu
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh said that the situation is being constantly monitored through continuous meetings with officials and various departments of the Jammu division. He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also personally taking information about the relief and rescue operations.
The intensity of rain has decreased in the Jammu division. The water level of the Tawi river has decreased, while the Chenab river is flowing close to the danger mark. Priority is the restoration of electricity, water and mobile services. SDRF, NDRF, paramilitary forces, army and air force officers are working with the civil administration in rescue operations.
