Landslide tragedy on Vaishno Devi Yatra route, 31 deaths so far, Jammu-Katra highway closed, 22 trains also canceled
The Vaishno Devi pilgrimage faced interruptions following severe landslides in Jammu and Kashmir. All trains going to Katra have been canceled. Landslides and floods occurred in many districts on Tuesday. Around 30 people died when houses collapsed, while several others suffered injuries. Vaishno Devi Yatra has been stopped due to the disaster. Traffic has also been disrupted due to the breakdown of roads and rail lines. People were evacuated to safer places. The incident has completely destroyed the main route to the holy place located on Trikut Hill. Officials say that many people may still be buried under the debris, so rescue operations are on. Apart from this, many infrastructure in Jammu has also been damaged, including the collapse of bridges, collapse of electric poles and mobile towers, etc. On Tuesday, about 22 cm of rain was recorded in Jammu in just six hours, which started at 11:30 am and continued till 5:30 pm. The intensity of rainfall decreased after midnight, bringing some relief to the area. Jammu-Srinagar National Highway closed The Jammu-Srinagar highway has been shut down following landslides and heavy flooding. Roads in many districts including Bani-Basohli, Basohli-Mabnaroo, Mahapur-Kathua and Kiala Chak-Ramkote are closed. Along with this, the Srinagar-Sonmarg-Gumri road has also been closed due to landslide near Bajri Nala. Apart from these, a pillar of the bridge of Devak river on Jammu-Pathankot National Highway fell. At present, traffic on this highway is completely closed. There is information that hundreds of trucks and cars are stranded. Authorities report that the Taranah river near Devak is currently flowing above safe limits. Therefore, people have been advised to move to safer places. Deputy Commissioner Jammu Rakesh Minhas said that the army has sent three relief teams. NDRF and SDRF personnel are actively engaged in relief and rescue efforts across flood-hit zones of Reasi, Doda, Samba, and Jammu. Along with this, food, clean water and medical assistance is being provided to the affected people in temporary shelters. Jammu Divisional Commissioner issued helpline number The Meteorological Department of India has warned of heavy rains in many areas of Jammu and Kashmir till September 5. Thunderstorms are expected in many areas from 27 to 29 August. Then there may be light rain from 30 August to 1 September, while light rain is also expected in some areas from 2 to 5 September. Let us tell you that amid the forecast of rain in the next 40 hours, district-wise helpline numbers have been issued by the Jammu Divisional Commissioner.