Katra (J&K): A deadly landslide struck the Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage route near Ardhkumari in Katra on Wednesday, claiming at least 31 lives and leaving 23 others injured. Authorities fear the toll could rise further as rescue teams continue to search through mounds of debris, with several devotees still believed to be trapped.
The landslide occurred after days of unrelenting rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir, which has triggered flash floods, washed away bridges, and disrupted essential services. Emergency personnel, including the NDRF and local police, have been deployed to the shrine route to aid survivors and recover those still missing.
Officials said the scale of damage is “widespread and severe.” In Jammu, multiple bridges have collapsed, power supply has been snapped in several areas, and mobile towers have suffered extensive damage. Over 3,500 people were evacuated earlier this week due to rising floodwaters and waterlogging across the district.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah took to social media platform X to describe the grim situation. “Still struggling with almost non-existent communication. No fixed line WiFi, no browsing, apps opening frustratingly slowly,” he wrote, highlighting the severe breakdown in connectivity caused by the torrential rains.
Meanwhile, the Jammu administration has ordered the closure of all government and private schools in the division until August 27 as a precautionary measure. The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education has also postponed the Class 10 and 11 examinations that were scheduled for Wednesday.
Telecom disruptions have added to the chaos, with vast areas of the Union Territory cut off from communication. Officials fear that the prolonged disruption could hamper rescue and relief operations at a time when every second counts.
Relief agencies are working round-the-clock, but persistent rain and treacherous terrain are making rescue efforts difficult. Authorities have urged people to avoid unnecessary travel in affected areas until conditions stabilize.
