Heavy rainfall has wreaked havoc in Jammu and Kashmir. A landslide on Wednesday along the route to Mata Vaishno Devi Dham in the Reasi district resulted in the deaths of at least 31 people and injuries to 23 others. Rescue operations are ongoing, with concerns that more individuals may be trapped in the debris.
The Jammu-Katra highway has been completely shut down due to the landslide. Northern Railway has canceled 22 trains and short-terminated 27 others, including 9 trains originating from the Vaishno Devi base camp.
Continuous rainfall has exacerbated the risk of floods and further landslides. The areas from Jammu city to Kathua, Udhampur, Samba, and Reasi are severely affected. Bridges have collapsed, and mobile towers and power lines have been destroyed.
Administrative authorities, the army, NDRF, and SDRF teams are engaged in relief efforts. More than 3,500 people have been moved to safer locations. Those affected are being provided with food, water, and medical assistance in temporary camps.
The weather department has issued a warning that clouds are reaching altitudes of 12 km, indicating the potential for more intense storms and rainfall in the coming days.