BREAKING: Landslide Hits Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Marg In J&K's Katra, 2 Dead

Jammu: One person was killed and many others were injured after a massive landslide hit the Mata Vaishno Devi track in Katra region of Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district on Monday afternoon. The landslide occurred near the Panchi Helipad on the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan route, three kilometers ahead of Bhawan, around 2:35 PM.  Three injured pilgrims, including a woman, were immediately taken to a hospital.

The landslide also damaged a portion of an overhead iron structure raising concerns that devotees may be trapped in the debris. The Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board is conducting ongoing relief and rescue operations.

The CEO of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board confirmed that shooting stones and a landslide had taken place on the shrine track. The Disaster Management team of the Shrine Board reached the spot, and efforts to rescue and provide aid to those affected are underway.

A rescue operation was launched immediately after the landslide, and the three injured pilgrims, including a woman, were evacuated to the hospital. The Shrine Board continues to monitor the situation and is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of all pilgrims visiting the shrine.

Vaishno Devi Landslide: What We Know so Far

•  The landslide occurred near the Panchi Helipad on the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan route.
• The ongoing rescue operations aim to ensure the safety of all devotees and to clear the debris from the track.
• The tragedy underscores the vulnerability of the region to natural disasters and the importance of swift response measures.
• The Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board continues to monitor the situation closely and is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of all pilgrims visiting the shrine.

More details are awaited as the situation develops.