Devastating Landslide and Flooding in Jammu and Kashmir: Vaishno Devi Pilgrimage Halted

Unremitting heavy rain has caused a devastating landslide along the route to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. The continuous rainfall atop the Trikuta hills has created a dangerous environment for visitors. Approximately 30 lives have been lost due to a landslide near the Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir. In addition, approximately 14 people have sustained injuries. Devotees have been trapped in the area, isolated due to the landslip. The Jammu and Kashmir government has ordered all educational institutions and offices to close, with the exception of essential services and law and order departments, due to the ongoing heavy rainfall. The Meteorological Department has issued a forecast predicting very heavy rainfall in the Jammu division over the next 40 hours. Water levels in rivers such as the Basantar, Tawi, and Chenab have risen to precarious heights, raising concerns among the local population.