5 Pilgrims Dead, 14 Injured in Major Landslide Near Adhkuwari in Jammu & Kashmir. Yatra Route Closed, Schools Closed, Recruitment Exam Postponed. Administration and NDRF Engaged in Relief and Rescue Operations.
Vaishno Devi Landslide: Amidst heavy rainfall in Jammu & Kashmir on Tuesday, a sudden landslide occurred on the Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage route. The incident took place near Adhkuwari, where thousands of devotees travel daily towards the shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi. Five people lost their lives in this accident, and 14 were seriously injured. The injured pilgrims were immediately admitted to a hospital in Katra. Immediately after the incident, the Shrine Board and security forces initiated relief and rescue operations. Pilgrims present on the track are being shifted to safe locations.
NDRF and Security Forces Engaged in Relief and Rescue Operations
Following the landslide, teams of Jammu & Kashmir Police, administrative officers, and the NDRF are working on alert mode at the site. Security forces have used ropes and barricades to move pilgrims to safety. The local administration has closed the section of the pilgrimage route from Adhkuwari to Bhawan. Movement of pilgrims on the lower track has also been restricted.
Temporary Suspension of Yatra and School Closures
In view of safety and relief operations, the Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra has been temporarily suspended. All government and private schools in the Jammu division will remain closed until August 27. Furthermore, the class 10 and 11 examinations have also been postponed. BSF informed that the Constable recruitment examination being conducted at Paloura Camp will now be held on September 3.
Jammu-Srinagar National Highway Traffic Disrupted
More than 10 houses were destroyed due to a cloudburst and debris flow in the Doda district. As a result, traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway has been completely blocked. This highway is the only perennial route connecting Kashmir to the rest of the country. Vehicular movement between Udhampur and Qazigund has been stopped. The army is continuously conducting rescue operations in the Gadigarh area.
Weather Department Warning and Alert
The Meteorological Department has predicted the possibility of moderate to heavy rainfall and landslides in the districts of Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Reasi, Udhampur, Rajouri, Ramban, Doda, and Kishtwar until August 27. There is a risk of cloudbursts and flash floods in high-altitude areas.
Impact of Heavy Rainfall and Flooding
Continuous rainfall has been occurring in the Jammu division and Kashmir for the past 48 hours. The Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for the next five hours. There is a risk of flash floods and landslides in the districts of Katra, Jammu, Samba, Reasi, Udhampur, Doda, and Kishtwar. Incidents of cloudbursts have also been reported in the Pahalgam area of the Lidder River.
Tawi River Swells and Administration's Preparedness
The water level of the Tawi River in Udhampur has risen above the danger mark and has crossed the 2014 flood level. The administration has warned that the water level in Jammu city may rise by another 7-10 feet in the next few hours. DIG Shiv Kumar Sharma has appealed to people to stay away from rivers and streams and to remain in contact with the administration.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's Directive
Considering the seriousness of the situation, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah traveled from Srinagar to Jammu. He directed all District Commissioners to provide additional funds and expedite relief work. The administration and security forces are engaged in providing relief materials and conducting rescue operations in the affected areas.
