Vaishno Dev Landslide: Heavy Rain Triggers Disaster in Jammu & Kashmir, 34 People Died
Vaishno Devi Landslide: A massive landslide caused by heavy rains has killed at least 34 people on the Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra trail in Katra, Jammu & Kashmir. The tragedy, which took place near Ardhkumari, left many others wounded as torrential rainfall continues to devastate the entire region. Authorities are continuing rescue operations as they fear that more people may still be under the debris.
This torrential downpour has caused widespread damage in the entire region. The disaster in Jammu is part of an overall weather crisis that has affected the region, and record rainfall has led to flash floods as well as infrastructure damage. Jammu has recorded 296.0mm in 24 hours, breaking a record that dates back 50 years. Udhampur experienced a staggering 629.4mm of rainfall, almost doubling the previous record for a single day. Due to the relentless rain, the Jhelum River has risen above its danger level in South Kashmir. This prompted a flood warning for the surrounding area.
Millions of people have been cut off by damaged infrastructure, including bridges that collapsed, power lines that were damaged, and communication networks disrupted. Joint rescue and relief teams from the District Administration, J&K Police, NDRF, SDRF, and the Indian Army were mobilized in response to this escalating situation. More than 3,500 people were evacuated from the low-lying districts of Jammu and Samba. Airlifts of relief materials and teams are taking place from Hindon. Meanwhile, helicopters remain ready at nearby bases.
Severe weather conditions have also affected the transportation service. The severe weather has also affected transportation services. Train operations were resumed from Jammu on Wednesday after a one-day suspension. However, thousands of passengers were affected by the cancellation or shortening of many services. All educational institutions in the Jammu Division have been told to close until August 27. Also, all examinations scheduled for Classes 10 and 11 were suspended.
Manoj Sinha, the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, reviewed with officials in charge how to deal with floods and directed them to speed up restoration and relief. He announced financial aid for victims’ families after visiting injured patients at Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Hospital. The Shrine Board is providing Rs. 5 lakh, and the Disaster Management Board an extra Rs. 4 lakh for the families of the victims of the Vaishno Devlish landslide.
The Jammu and Kashmir Disaster Management Authority
Jammu and Kashmir Disaster Management Authority (JKDMA) is responsible for the coordination of disaster mitigation and response efforts within the Union Territory. The authority works with local and national agencies to provide timely relief and rehabilitation during natural disasters.
