Jammu Rains: 32 Dead In Vaishno Devi Landslide, 4 Killed In Doda; Key Bridges Wash Away, Train Services Disrupted | Updates
Vaishno Devi Landslide Updates: At least 36 people have died in Jammu and Kashmir in the last 24 hours as torrential rains continued to pummel the Union Territory, primarily the Jammu region, for the third consecutive day.
While four people were killed in rain-related incidents in Jammu’s Doda, 32 people were killed after a landslide hit the Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra route in Reasi. Nearly 20 people sustained severe injuries and are undergoing treatment in different hospitals.
The rescue operations continued on Wednesday, with fears that more people could be trapped. Rescue teams are continuing to dig through the mounds of rubble to look for survivors. The landslide, which struck near the Inderprastha Bhojnalaya at Adhkwari, about halfway along the winding 12-km trek from Katra to the shrine, has also led to the suspension of the Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra, till further orders.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed grief over the deaths and said his prayers are for everyone’s safety and well-being.
“The loss of lives due to a landslide on the route to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Temple is saddening. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover at the earliest. The administration is assisting all those affected,” he said in a post on X.
Mata Vaishno Devi Landslide Updates:
The landslide at Ardhkunwari Marg near Indraprastha Bhojanalaya occurred when the devotees were moving ahead amid heavy rain. The landslide, triggered by heavy, relentless rain, has claimed 32 lives so far and left 20 injured. While 30 bodies were recovered from the debris, two of those injured died in the hospital.
The pilgrimage to the shrine was also suspended when the mountainside literally gave way and stones, boulders, and rocks came hurtling down around 3 pm on Tuesday, catching people unawares.
Teams of the National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) are engaged in rescue operations with the help of the Indian Army. The Army’s C-130 cargo plane, carrying relief and rescue materials, also reached Reasi on Wednesday morning. Helicopter assets like Chinook, Mi-17 V5 are on active standby at all nearby bases like Jammu, Udhampur, Srinagar and Pathankot.
Heavy Destruction In Doda District
Heavy rains continued to pummel Doda for the fourth consecutive day on Wednesday. Continuous torrential rains since Sunday have plunged the district into a state of crisis, with flash floods and rising river waters wreaking havoc across the region. At least three people have also been killed in rain-related incidents, including landslides, mudslides, and house collapses.
Deputy Commissioner Doda, Harvinder Singh, confirmed the casualties and said the Neeru River in Bhaderwah has crossed the danger mark, submerging several low-lying areas. Families residing close to rivers and streams have been shifted to safer places, with many sheltered at the Doda Community Hall.
Reports of a cloudburst in Doda’s Bhalessa town also emerged on Tuesday, prompting all departments to launch rescue and relief measures across affected areas. Many buildings have been damaged in the district due to heavy rains. The main bridge connecting Doda city with the Batote-Kishtwar National Highway, Pul Doda, has also been closed for vehicular movement.
Records Of Rainfall Broken In Jammu
On Tuesday, a record-breaking 248 mm of rainfall was recorded in Jammu, which is the highest since 1926. Due to this, the situation in Jammu city remains serious, as the Tawi river is flowing near the danger mark and a flood-like situation has arisen in the low-lying areas of the city.
Mobile and internet services have also been affected. Jammu Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar said that rivers like Tawi, Basant and Chenab are flowing at warning level. Rivers are also in spate in Kashmir. Especially in Anantnag and Kulgam of South Kashmir, the water level of the Jhelum River has increased due to rain.
Train Services Affected
In view of the danger on the Chakki Khad bridge in Majra (Dhangu) of Kangra district, adjacent to Pathankot on the Jammu-Delhi railway line, the Railway Board has stopped the movement of trains on one track.
Due to damage to Jammu railway station and railway track, and rail infrastructure, all trains coming and going from Jammu have also been cancelled. Passengers are asked to check the status of the train before their journey. Air service in the state has also been affected. Four out of 10 flights were cancelled on Tuesday.
