Landslide Hits Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Track Amid Heavy Rains

The Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district faced another landslide on Wednesday, halting the pilgrimage for the ninth consecutive day. The Katra base camp remained empty due to the suspension, with no casualties reported in the latest incident. The area has received over 200 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours, the highest in the Jammu region. Authorities evacuated official accommodations as a precautionary measure, and efforts are underway to clear the debris on the track.

Key Takeaways:

• The landslide occurred at the Sammar point of the pilgrimage track, blocking the route to the shrine.
• Over 200 mm of rainfall was recorded in the Katra base camp within 24 hours, the highest in the Jammu region.
• No casualties were reported in the landslide, with the Katra base camp being empty due to the suspension.
• Official accommodations in the area were evacuated as a precautionary measure.
• The Mata Vaishno Devi shrine remains open, with priests performing daily prayers and rituals.
• A decision on the resumption of the pilgrimage will be taken once the 12-km twin track is cleared for devotees.
• Four shuttle train services were suspended on Wednesday due to heavy rains and flooding.

Statistics:

• Over 200 mm of rainfall was recorded in the Katra base camp within 24 hours.
• 34 pilgrims were killed in a landslide triggered by heavy rains on August 26.
• 20 pilgrims sustained injuries in the same incident.
• Four shuttle train services were suspended on Wednesday.
• The Mata Vaishno Devi shrine has been suspended for the ninth consecutive day.
• The train services from New Delhi to Katra have been temporarily terminated.

Sources:

• PTI reported on the landslide and rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district.
• Hindustan Times published the information with permission from its digital content services.