Katra, August 27 (H.S.): A landslide triggered by heavy rainfall near the Vaishno Devi temple in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, claimed the lives of 32 people on Tuesday. This information was provided by Reasi Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Parampveer Singh.

The landslide occurred near the Indraprastha Bhojanalaya (restaurant) located along the route to the Adhkuwari cave temple on the way to Vaishno Devi.

The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that a landslide had occurred near the Indraprastha Bhojanalaya at Adhkuwari, with fears of some people being injured. A rescue operation is ongoing with necessary personnel and machinery deployed.

Officials further reported that erosion along the Chakki River and sudden flooding led to disruption of rail traffic on the down line between Pathankot Cantt and Kandrori, resulting in the cancellation of 18 trains.

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said in a post on X that National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams reached the site immediately after the incident. He stated that he had spoken with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha regarding the situation. The local administration is actively involved in rescue and relief efforts, and additional NDRF teams are on the way.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and instructed officials to provide immediate assistance to the injured. He stated that officials are closely monitoring the situation in the Jammu division amid heavy rains and urged people to follow official advisories.

After speaking with Amit Shah, CM Omar Abdullah also posted on X, saying that he briefed the Union Home Minister about the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in the Jammu region, where heavy and continuous rain has caused severe damage and disrupted normal life.

Efforts are underway to restore phone and data connectivity as soon as possible.

Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar