Vaishno Devi Yatra Route Hit by Landslide in Katra Following Heavy Rainfall; Four Pilgrims Injured

A landslide occurred on the Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra route in Katra on Monday morning due to heavy rains in Jammu and Kashmir. The incident, which took place around 8:50 am near Banganga, resulted in injuries to at least four devotees. The area is a key starting point for the pilgrimage. The quick response of local authorities, including the administration, volunteers, and shrine board personnel, facilitated the safe evacuation of the injured. Rescue operations involved palanquin bearers, porters, and police, preventing potential loss of life. The landslide also caused significant damage to several sheds along the route, used by pedestrians and pony services, leading to its temporary closure. The impact of the heavy rains was also seen in other areas, including the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, where a landslide near the Dewal bridge in Udhampur disrupted traffic on Sunday evening.