Kishtwar: Severe weather conditions in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district led to a tragic landslide and a massive rescue operation, with authorities confirming one death and the evacuation of more than 230 stranded travellers on Monday.
According to officials, a landslide struck a hydroelectric project site near Dangduru late Sunday night after continuous rainfall destabilised the terrain. Two workers present at the site were trapped under the debris when the earth suddenly gave way. Rescue teams later recovered one worker’s body, while the second was pulled out with injuries and rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Meanwhile, heavy snowfall created dangerous conditions at the high-altitude Sinthan Top pass, which links Kishtwar with south Kashmir’s Anantnag district. Around 38 vehicles carrying approximately 235 passengers, including women and children, became stranded as thick snow blocked the route. A coordinated rescue effort involving the police, the Army and local civil authorities managed to safely escort all the stranded passengers to secure locations.
In response to the deteriorating weather and safety concerns, district administrations in Kishtwar and neighbouring Doda ordered the closure of schools and other educational institutions located outside municipal areas for the day. Officials said the precautionary step was taken to minimise risks as snowfall and rainfall continue to affect the region.
Authorities remain on alert as weather conditions in the mountainous areas are still unpredictable, and residents have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel in vulnerable zones.
