Massive Landslide on Vaishno Devi Yatra Route in Katra Kills 34, Rescue Efforts Continue Amid Heavy Rains in J&K

New Delhi (India) August 27: In the middle of heavy rain on Wednesday, a massive landslide strikes the Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra track. It happens near Ardhkumari in Jammu and Kashmir's Katra. The landslide kills at least 34 people and injures several more. Rescue crews are still searching the debris because they are concerned that more people might be trapped.

Lieutenant Governor Sinha Reviews Rescue and Relief Measures

Jammu & Kashmir Senior officials discuss the flood situation with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. He gives them instructions to speed up the restoration process in impacted areas. Sinha discusses the current state of rescue and relief efforts with Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar and other high-ranking officials. According to his office, he orders that authorities give priority to reestablishing communication, power, and water supplies in areas where floodwaters have started to recede.

Sinha also met with those injured in yesterday's tragedy at the Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Hospital. He also declares that the families of the deceased will receive Rs 5 lakh from the Shrine Board and Rs 4 lakh from the Disaster Management Board.

The Himkoti trekking route has been closed since Tuesday morning. The old route continued to operate until 1:30 pm. But it is also put on hold as a precaution.

Army and NDRF Teams Deployed for Emergency Operations

The Army quickly activated three relief groups. One group is helping to save lives in Katra's Ardhkuwari. According to PRO Defence Jammu, one relief group has arrived at the site of the landslide on the Katra to Thakra Kot road. Another group is offering support south of Jaurian.

The PRO Defence says, “Efforts are on to save lives, provide assistance to the needy and take the civilians to safe areas. Close coordination with civil agencies is being carried out.”

The meteorological department forecasts sustained moderate to heavy rain with the possibility of cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides through August 27. The administration also cautions residents to stay away from water bodies and areas that are prone to landslides.

Communication Networks Down, Relief Work Faces Delays

All service providers experience network outages. This is a result of optical fiber damage. It makes the emergency responses more difficult.

According to sources, the NDRF load will soon be transported by C130 and IL76 from Hindon to Jammu. It includes relief and rescue supplies. All the adjacent bases, including Jammu, Udhampur, Srinagar, and Pathankot, have helicopter assets like Chinook and Mi-17 V5 are on active standby.

Flights Cancelled and Delayed as Weather Disrupts Leh Airport

Unfavorable weather conditions also have a significant impact on Leh airport operations. It led to numerous airline cancellations and delays. A number of scheduled flights were either canceled or delayed.

Jammu and Kashmir is devastated by the intense rains. It caused landslides and flash floods. Bridges collapsed, power lines and mobile towers were seriously damaged, and other essential services in Jammu were severely impacted. Due to flash floods and waterlogging caused by the district's ongoing heavy rain, over 3,500 residents had to be evacuated.